To solve complex coding problems with the SAS® DATA step, one must go beyond a basic understanding of the individual statements. You need to understand how the various statements interact with each other and how their options can be leveraged to build DATA step code that provides innovative solutions to the toughest of problems. Based on Art Carpenter’s book, Carpenter’s Guide to Innovative SAS® Techniques, this class is a must for the DATA step programmer who wants to take his or her programs to the next level.

Throughout the course, Josh will demonstrate each technique using practical examples that illustrate not only how these methods work, but why they are valuable. Participants will leave with new approaches they can immediately apply to write more efficient, maintainable, and powerful SAS programs.

This course is designed to be taken by a student who has a basic understanding of the DATA step and its primary statements. The material will focus on advanced topics that will give the student a deeper understanding of the operation of the DATA step.

This live virtual training will be taught primarily through demonstration and lecture (NOT hands-on) and there will be plenty of time for questions from attendees. Attendees will receive a PDF containing course materials, as well as the ability to view a recording of the training for 30 days following the class.

Course Details

The topics of this lecture-style training include:

➢   Working across multiple observations using look-ahead and look-back techniques

➢   Mastering the DOW loop and understanding when to use it

➢   Taking advantage of double SET statements for sophisticated data processing

➢   Working with hash objects for fast and efficient data lookups

➢   Performing table lookups without traditional merges

➢   Using arrays to reshape data from columns to rows and back again

➢   Evaluating complex logical expressions and conditional processing

➢   Leveraging DATA step options to improve performance and control processing

➢   Exploring modern DATA step programming techniques and best practices

Student Discount

BASUG welcomes students with a 50% discount if they register by Friday, September 18. Please email an image of your current student ID to registrations@basug.org to request the coupon code.

Instructor Bio

Josh Horstman is a statistical programming consultant, trainer, and SAS Certified Advanced Programmer based in Indianapolis, Indiana. With more than 28 years of hands-on SAS experience, he brings both technical depth and a genuine passion for teaching to his work. Through his firm, PharmaStat LLC, Josh supports pharmaceutical clients navigating the complexities of clinical trial programming. A frequent and enthusiastic presenter at SAS user group conferences and industry events, he is known for making complex topics accessible and engaging. Outside of work, Josh channels that same adventurous spirit into travel and hiking — he and his family have explored 48 states and 34 national parks.

Course Logistics

The class will be held via Zoom. When you register for the class, you will receive a confirmation email with a ticket and receipt. One day prior to the class, you will receive an email from Zoom with your personal URL for accessing the class. If you have any questions about the registration logistics, please email registrations@basug.org.

Refund Policy

Refunds are available upon request if received by 5:00 PM, Tuesday, September 22. Any refunds will deduct $25 per attendee for fees due to credit card processing and online registration charges. Contact BASUG at registrations@basug.org to request a refund.