Why Choose Between DATA Step and PROC SQL

As a SAS coder, you've often wondered what the SQL buzz is about. Or vice versa: you breathe SQL & don't have time for SAS. Learn where the SAS DATA Step has a distinct advantage over SQL and where you just can't beat SQL. Learn which tool will better help you in reading raw data, joining data, accumulating data, aggregating data and managing data. All skill levels welcome, but some knowledge of SAS DATA Step and SQL is beneficial to make the most of this session.

Validating User Supplied Parameter Values when Calling a Macro

Have you ever used a macro definition that requires parameters? How did you know what values were required by the macro?  Perhaps you've borrowed a macro definition from someone else and made simple modifications.  Perhaps you've called the macro and received errors, warnings or notes that were not helpful. . .   In this session, you will learn how to use a %IF statement and macro conditional logic (%IF...%THEN) inside a macro definition for the purposes of parameter validation.  You will learn how to make your macros self-documenting and fail resistant.  Please join us and take your macro programming to the next level.

About the Presenter

Rebecca Callaway has worked as an instructor at SAS since May 2000.  Prior to joining SAS, Rebecca earned her bachelor's degree in Math/Statistics from Saint Olaf College in Northfield, MN.  She worked as an analyst for several companies where she honed her SAS skills analyzing data for credit card companies and developing regression models to predict customer responses to direct mail.  She enjoys helping other SAS users improve their SAS skills to make their jobs easier and more efficient.  Rebecca lives in San Diego, CA with her husband Ken and their cat Zigmo.