Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/sas-sql
In the ever-evolving world of data analysis, proficiency in Structured Query Language (SQL) is paramount. For those who work within the SAS ecosystem, understanding how to leverage SQL directly within SAS programs opens up a powerful avenue for data manipulation and reporting. The Coursera course, ‘Structured Query Language (SQL) using SAS,’ offers a deep dive into this essential skill set.
This course is meticulously designed to equip learners with the ability to not only query and subset data but also to effectively summarize, present, and combine datasets. The syllabus is structured logically, starting with an overview and data setup, then progressing through the core functionalities of PROC SQL. You’ll learn to build queries using fundamental clauses like SELECT, FROM, WHERE, GROUP BY, HAVING, and ORDER BY, enabling you to generate simple queries and manage tables with ease. The module on DICTIONARY tables is particularly useful for understanding your SAS session.
A significant portion of the course is dedicated to the crucial topic of joining tables. From Cartesian products to INNER, OUTER, and complex joins, the course provides a thorough understanding of how to horizontally combine data from multiple sources. Furthermore, the exploration of subqueries, including their use in WHERE, HAVING, and FROM clauses, empowers you to perform dynamic data subsetting and create virtual tables. Vertical concatenation of tables is also covered comprehensively through set operators like INTERSECT, EXCEPT, UNION, and OUTER UNION.
What sets this course apart is its practical approach to advanced topics. The modules on using and creating macro variables in SQL, and accessing DBMS data with SAS/ACCESS, are invaluable for real-world applications. Learning to create data-driven macro variables and utilize SAS/ACCESS technology for interacting with external databases via SQL Pass-Through and LIBNAME statements, and the FEDSQL procedure, significantly enhances your data management capabilities.
The course culminates with a case study and certification practice exam, allowing you to apply all the learned concepts to a real-world business problem, solidifying your understanding and preparing you for potential certifications.
**Recommendation:**
For anyone looking to enhance their data analysis skills within the SAS environment, this course is a must-take. It provides a robust foundation in SQL and its practical application within SAS, covering everything from basic querying to advanced database interactions. The clear explanations, practical examples, and comprehensive syllabus make it an excellent choice for both beginners and those looking to deepen their SAS SQL expertise.
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/sas-sql