Lecture Notes 9/5/2006

Summary: 1.Components of SAS Programs: SAS Programs consist of two types of steps: DATA steps and PROC(Procedure) steps. A SAS Program can consist of DATA step, a PROC step, or any combination of DATA and PROC steps. DATA steps create or modify the SAS data set. PROC steps enable you to analyze and process the data in a SAS data set and those steps can also let you present the data in the form of a report.

2.Characteristics of SAS Programs: A SAS statement usually begins with a SAS keyword and always ends with a semicolon.

3.Processing SAS Programs: When you submit a SAS program, SAS reads SAS statements and check them for errors. When it encounters a DATA, PROC, RUN, or QUIT statement, SAS executes the previous step in the program.

4.Overview of SAS Data Sets: Observations in the data set correspond to rows or data lines in a raw data file. Variables in the data set correspond to columns in a raw data file.

5.Variable Attributes: For character variables, a blank represents a missing value. For numeric variables, a period represents a missing value. Some reminders below:

1.Useful links: SAS online documentation

2.Readings: Chapter 1 in The Little SAS Book. It's on reserve in the library. Look around here Getting Started with SAS

3.Try to run the program and get used to the SAS environment: Do examples here examples and assignments

3.Getting used to the wiki Play around here when you are free (especially in the Sandbox or on your own User page).

4.About the SAS Certification: 

5.Class room for the course

Go Back to: SAS Certification Essential Reading

SAS Lesson Plan for SAS Certification

--Ywang10 10:53, 7 September 2006 (EDT) Rhansen 11:20, 7 September 2006 (EDT)