You’ve spent hours crafting your SAS® code, or perhaps you’ve inherited a jumbled mess from someone else, and when you run it, it “explodes” like an ill-fated cocktail experiment and leaves a bad taste in your mouth! Mastering the art of debugging not only makes coding a smoother experience but also spares you from needing a stiff drink to cope with the frustration. This paper will discuss tips, tricks, and techniques for debugging your SAS code. It will show you how to use the debugger in both SAS Display Manager and SAS Enterprise Guide, akin to a bartender knowing just the right tools to mix the perfect drink. It will also describe how to use PUTLOG and PUT statements, along with their key differences- “like choosing between a whiskey neat and a whiskey sour.” Additional debugging aids such as using OPTIONS, code versioning, and macro variables will be discussed, ensuring you have a well-stocked bar of techniques at your disposal. As a bonus, the paper will also provide some common error messages and their meanings- “your personal cocktail menu of debugging solutions.”

Lisa Mendez, PhD is a stellar data scientist with the Army Medical Command in San Antonio, TX, boldly going where no data scientist has gone before with over 25 years of SAS programming experience. Her career is a voyage through the galaxy of SAS user conferences, including SCSUG, WUSS, PharmaSUG, and SAS Global Forum, where she has presented her out-of-this-world papers. Lisa's academic credentials are nothing short of starship-worthy, with a BS and MS in Computer Information Systems, an MS in Data Science, and a PhD in Education with a certification in Adult Education. Her passion for data and education is her prime directive, driving her to continually innovate and inspire in the field.

Richann Watson is an independent statistical programmer and CDISC consultant based in Ohio, wielding her SAS wand since 1996. Specializing in the magical art of analyzing clinical trial data and implementing CDISC standards, she is a proud member of the CDISC ADaM team and various sub-teams. Richann has enchanted audiences with her numerous papers, posters, and training seminars at various conferences, including From Muggles to Macros which was outstanding O.W.L.s performance at SAS Innovate 2024 with More Muggles, More Macros making its Wizarding N.E.W.T.s debut at Innovate 2025.