PROC SQL: Beyond the Basics Using SAS, Second Edition - Softcover

"PROC SQL is a powerful, but complicated tool. In his book, "PROC SQL: Beyond the Basics Using SAS, Second Edition, " Kirk Lafler serves it up in small bites, introducing new concepts by building examples layer upon layer. Before you know it, you've eaten the elephant.

Thanks for this opportunity to review Kirk's new book." -- Mary F O Rosenbloom "Edwards Lifesciences, LLC"

"Kirk Paul Lafler's PROC SQL Beyond the Basics Using SAS, Second Edition makes learning PROC SQL easy. This book serves as a reference guide for those needing to learn or even improve their SQL skills. The book is full of easy-to-follow examples that mimic the scenarios that you are likely to encounter in the business world. He covers all the basics and adds some extra tips for the rare times you might just need to understand more of the advanced features.

I really enjoyed Lafler's exploration of the SQL joins versus data step merges and methods for working with the various join types. PROC SQL has its advantages, and the data step has its advantages, Lafler certainly helps you understand that PROC SQL can be just as powerful if you just know a few tricks.

As an experienced PROC SQL user, even I picked up some tricks for working ODS and ways to debug my SQL code. It wouldn't be a book from the original @SAS_NERD without the extensive guidance on how to get better performance and efficiency from your SQL code. This book is a great addition to my SAS bookshelf! -- Tricia Aanderud "President of And Data, Inc."

Kirk Lafler's PROC SQL: Beyond the Basics Using SAS, Second Edition, offers a step-by-step example-driven guide that helps readers master the language of PROC SQL. Packed with analysis and examples illustrating an assortment of PROC SQL options, statements, and clauses, this book can be approached in a number of ways. Users can read it cover-to-cover or selectively by chapter; they can use the extensive index to find content of interest or refer to the helpful "Summary" that precede each chapter to look for help on a specific topic.

The second edition explores new and powerful features in SAS 9.3, and includes such topics as adding data to a table with a SET clause; bulk loading data from Microsoft Excel; distinguishing between DATA step merges and PROC SQL joins; rules for designing indexes; cardinality and index selectivity; and demystifying join algorithms. It also features an expanded discussion of CASE expressions, and new sections on complex query applications, and grouping and performance. Delving into the workings of PROC SQL with greater analysis and discussion, PROC SQL: Beyond the Basic Using SAS, Second Edition, examines a broad range of topics and provides greater detail about this powerful database language using discussion and numerous real-world examples.