Product Review

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. 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.