SAS programming is a valuable skill in high demand across various industries. Whether you’re a student, researcher, or professional, mastering SAS can open doors to exciting career opportunities. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of resources available for learning SAS programming, from classic textbooks to modern online courses.
Several established resources have long been considered essential for aspiring SAS programmers. The “Little SAS Book” and “Learning SAS by Example,” both published by SAS Institute, are classic texts offering a strong foundation for those with some prior exposure to the language. These books effectively build upon existing knowledge, making them excellent choices for individuals who have had introductory SAS training or learned from colleagues.
For beginners with little to no prior experience, newer publications offer a more accessible entry point. “SAS Essentials: A Guide to Mastering SAS for Research” provides a practical approach geared towards research applications. “Beginning SAS Programming: A True Beginner’s Guide for Learning SAS” offers a foundational introduction to the language. Free chapters of this book are available for download at http://saszero2hero.com/resources/beginningSASprgCh1_2.pdf. Another valuable resource is “SAS for Data Analysis: Intermediate Statistical Methods,” which delves into statistical techniques using SAS. All three books are available on Amazon.
Beyond traditional textbooks, SAS Institute provides a wealth of free online resources. Their website (http://support.sas.com/training/tutorial/. ) hosts a collection of video tutorials covering various aspects of SAS programming. These tutorials offer a visual and interactive learning experience, catering to different learning styles.
Furthermore, SAS Institute offers a free e-learning course through SAS OnDemand for Academics (http://support.sas.com/software/products/ondemand-academics/#s1=2). This cloud-based platform provides access to SAS software and learning materials, enabling individuals to learn SAS at their own pace. This comprehensive course, previously priced at several hundred dollars, is now available free of charge.
The abundance of learning resources, ranging from classic textbooks to free online courses and tutorials, makes learning SAS programming accessible to anyone with the motivation to learn. Whether you prefer a structured approach through books or an interactive experience with online tutorials, you can find the resources that best suit your learning style and needs. This accessibility ensures that aspiring SAS programmers can acquire the necessary skills to excel in data analysis and related fields.
