Course Description
A SAS Index is vital if you are working with big data. Big data refers to the volume, variety, and velocity of data-sets that we see in the world today. SAS has certain ways to deal with big data but the concepts involved (A Sas Index and SAS Macros) are more advanced topics in SAS programming.
Make sure to learn SAS Base first as this will allow you to understand all the options in front of you. A SAS Base course instructed by me is available on Experfy.
Having these advanced SAS skills, in particular knowing how to work with a sas index and sas macros, will give you an advantage in the work force, as the number of people that have these skills is small.
The goal of the course is to give you practical examples. I will show you how to create different types of sas indexes, how to properly utilize and maintain a sas index, and also show you 3 different macro programs, including a bigger case study.
Sign up today for my course 'SAS Index & SAS Macros: Solutions for Big Data'.
What am I going to get from this course?
Improve speed/performance when sub-setting data
Update your indexed master data set with the latest transactions
Create Macros to reduce repetitive coding, which saves time and money.
Apply macro functions to manipulate character strings
Debug problems when they occur
Prerequisites and Target Audience
What will students need to know or do before starting this course?
Software options and instructions are available in Module 1.
Who should take this course? Who should not?
A background in Base SAS is highly recommended.
Some knowledge of SAS SQL is also suggested.
Curriculum
I go over what the objectives of the course are.
Lecture 2
Installing Software
There is a resource attached that will go over how you can install software so you can follow along with the video course.
Resource 1
Datasets Used in the Course
Google drive link that gives you access to the data sets used in the course.
Module 2: Introduction to Indexes
Lecture 3
Intro to Indexes
Lecture 4
Is An Index Right For You?
I go over whether an index makes sense in your context.
Lecture 5
Types of Indexes
I go over the two types of Indexes that you can create.
There are some options that you can use when creating an index. The option may make sense or not depending on the scenario.
Lecture 7
Testing Using A Large Dataset
We will do an activity together where we can see the real utility of an Index.
Lecture 8
How To Select Variable(s)
I go over how to select a variable or variables for your index.
Proc datasets can be used to create a simple or composite index on an already existing SAS data set.
I explain how you must use the by statement if you want to exploit/utilize the index/indices you have created.
Resource 2
Using Proc SQL to Create Indices (used on existing data sets)
Code so you can create an index using proc sql.
Resource 4
How to Delete Indexes
I provide the source code so you can delete any created indices.
Lecture 11
Handling Common Tasks
I answer how to handle common tasks like renaming data-sets or variables when you have an indexed data set.
Lecture 12
Updating A Master Data Set
Sometimes, rather than just combining data from two data sets, you might want to update the data in one data set with data that is stored in another data set.
Module 3: Macro Programming
Resource 5
Intro to the Macro Facility
In this article, I briefly introduce the macro facility. Please download the resource.
Lecture 13
Types of Macro Variables
There are two different types of macro variables..do they know what they are?
Lecture 14
Keeping Track of Your Macro Variables
It is not easy to keep track of your macro variables when you have so many. But there is a way to keep track.
Lecture 15
Assignment Rules for Macro Variables
I go over the rules for what you can and can't assign to a macro variable.
Lecture 16
Masking Special Characters
Sometimes you want to include special characters as part of your macro variable value..in these cases you have to understand how to mask these special characters.
Lecture 17
Macro Functions 1
I go over some macro functions.
Lecture 18
Macro Functions 2
I cover a couple more macro functions.
Lecture 19
An Intro To Macro Programs
An introduction to macro programs, otherwise known as macros.
Lecture 20
Macro Program 1 - Different Sales Reports Depending On Criteria
I show you the first macro program that is able to create a different sale report depending on criteria.
Lecture 21
Macro Program 2 - Easily and Quickly Calculating Sales for Multiple Years
I show you how you can easily and quickly calculate your sales for multiple years by using a macro program.
Lecture 22
Options for Debugging
I go over debugging options.
Lecture 23
Storing Macros Externally
I show you how you can store your macros. In this example, externally storing your macros.
Module 4: Macro Program Case Study
Making a sophisticated, useful, and flexible macro program is not easy. Brainstorming is a vital component!
Lecture 25
Case Study 1 - Logistic Macro
Lecture 26
Case Study 2 - Logistic Macro
Part 2 of the logistic macro.
Resource 6
Case Study Assignment
Answer the questions listed in the resource.
Resource 7
Case Study Answers
The answers to the case study questions.
