The Little SAS Book – A Comprehensive Review

This is a comprehensive guide for anyone interested in learning SAS programming for data analysis. The book covers a wide range of topics, including data manipulation, statistical analysis, and report generation. It is suitable for beginners, with clear explanations and step-by-step instructions for each topic covered. The authors assume no prior knowledge of programming and provide practical examples and exercises throughout each section to help readers learn and apply the concepts covered.

The book is well-organized and up-to-date with the latest SAS software and features. It provides a solid foundation upon which readers can build their skills, making it an ideal reference for beginners and experienced SAS users alike. The focus on hands-on learning and practical application sets the book apart from other SAS programming resources.

You’ll find clear and concise explanations of basic SAS concepts (such as DATA and PROC steps), inputting data, modifying and combining data sets, summarizing and presenting data, basic statistical procedures, and debugging SAS programs. Each topic is presented in a self-contained two-page layout complete with examples and graphics. This format enables new users to get up and running quickly, while the examples allow you to type in the program and see it work!

“The Little SAS Book: A Primer, Fourth Edition” received the Award of Excellence from the Society for Technical Publications International Technical Publications Competition 2008-2009.

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Critical Point of the Book

Here are some critical points of The Little SAS Book:

1. Comprehensive guide: The Little SAS Book is a comprehensive guide to SAS programming for data analysis. It covers a wide range of topics, from basic data manipulation and analysis to more advanced statistical analysis techniques.
2. Hands-on approach: The authors take a hands-on approach to teaching SAS programming, providing practical examples and exercises throughout the book. This makes it easier for readers to learn and apply the concepts covered in each section.
3. Beginner-friendly: The book is suitable for beginners, with clear explanations and step-by-step instructions for each topic covered. Even those with little to no programming experience can learn SAS with this book.
4. Expert authors: The authors, Lora Delwiche and Susan Slaughter, are SAS experts with decades of experience teaching SAS programming to students and professionals. Their expertise and experience shine through in the book’s clear explanations and practical examples.
5. Limited coverage of advanced topics: While the book covers a wide range of topics, it only scratches the surface of some of the more advanced topics in SAS programming. Readers who want to delve deeper into these areas may need to seek additional resources.

FAQs

Who is the book intended for? 

The Little SAS Book is intended for anyone interested in learning SAS programming for data analysis. It is suitable for beginners, with clear explanations and step-by-step instructions for each topic covered.

Do I need any prior programming experience to use this book? 

No, you do not need any prior programming experience to use this book. The authors assume no prior knowledge of programming and provide clear explanations and examples throughout the book.

What topics are covered in the book? 

The book covers a wide range of topics related to SAS programming for data analysis, including data manipulation, statistical analysis, and report generation.

Is the book up-to-date with the latest SAS software and features? 

Yes, the third edition of The Little SAS Book has been updated to include the latest SAS software and features. This ensures that the book remains relevant and useful for current SAS users.

Are there exercises and examples to practice with? 

Yes, the book includes practical examples and exercises throughout each section to help readers learn and apply the concepts covered.

Are there any additional resources available to supplement the book? 

Yes, the authors provide additional resources on their website, including datasets and solutions to the exercises in the book. SAS also offers online training courses and documentation that can be used to supplement the book.

About the Authors

Lora D. Delwiche brings over 20 years of expertise in working with SAS software to this edition. Lora enjoys teaching people about SAS software and likes solving challenging problems using SAS. Her experience in working with users from many different disciplines prompted her to write a book proving that SAS is “not hard to learn.” Susan J. Slaughter discovered SAS software in graduate school, over 20 years ago. Since then she has used SAS in a variety of business and academic settings. She now works as a consultant through her company, Avocet Solutions. Her experience managing large databases, teaching SAS software classes, and writing about SAS inspired her to write a book that is both informative and fun to read.

Susan J. Slaughter has been a SAS user and educator for over 25 years. She has taught SAS programming courses at various universities and organizations, and has also provided consulting services to businesses in a variety of industries. She is a frequent presenter at SAS user conferences, and has written several articles and papers on SAS programming.

Conclusion

In conclusion, The Little SAS Book: A Primer, Third Edition is an excellent resource for anyone interested in learning SAS programming for data analysis. The book’s comprehensive coverage, clear explanations, and practical examples make it an ideal reference for beginners and experienced SAS users alike. With its focus on hands-on learning and practical application, readers will gain a solid understanding of SAS programming and be able to apply it to real-world data analysis projects. While the book only scratches the surface of some of the more advanced topics in SAS programming, it provides a solid foundation upon which readers can build their skills. Whether you’re a student, professional, or hobbyist, The Little SAS Book is a valuable resource that will help you take your SAS programming skills to the next level.

The Little SAS Book

“If you are learning SAS, buy this book!! It won’t answer all your questions, but it will give you more help than anything online!!”

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