Complete Guide to SAS Indexes

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[edit] The Complete Guide to SAS Indexes, by Michael A. Raithel

By: Michael Raithel

List price: 54.95 USD

344 pages

ISBN: 978-1-59047-849-3** ISBN 10: 1-59047-849-5** Publisher: SAS Press

Copyright Date: January 2006

<<Man, this book was a blast to write! If you do purchase it, I'm sure that you will love it. If you do not purchase it, how will you ever know?!?!? -- Michael A. Raithel>>

Description:

Your definitive guide to using SAS indexes! Do you struggle with the problems of extracting data from large SAS data sets? Are you designing applications where response time is of great importance? Let this example-driven book guide you to the many ways you can use SAS indexes to reduce the computer resources needed to process large SAS data sets, leading to faster programs and reduced computer charges. You will learn the types of applications that can benefit from the use of indexes, how indexes can save computer processing resources and wallclock time, the difference between simple and composite SAS indexes, how to create indexes with the DATA step and with SAS procedures, the four program constructs that will get SAS to use your indexes, what centiles are and how you can use them, how to recover missing indexes and repair damaged indexes, and much more! Whether you're a novice SAS user seeking to understand SAS indexes, an advanced user seeking a reference, or a SAS programmer working with large data sets, this book was written for you!

SAS Products and Releases: Base SAS: 9.1.3, 9.1.2, 9.1, 9.0

Operating Systems: 64-bit Enabled AIX, 64-bit Enabled HP-UX, 64-bit Enabled Solaris, HP-UX IPF, Linux, Linux on Itanium, Microsoft Windows for IPF, OpenVMS Alpha, Solaris for x64, Tru64 UNIX, Windows, Windows NT Workstation, z/OS

REVIEWS:

"Michael Raithel has written an excellent learning and reference manual about SAS indexes. This book is well thought out, and the information is presented aptly so it can be used by a SAS beginner as well as the most advanced SAS developer to learn more about SAS indexes. Michael covers indexes so that you will understand when, why, and where to use indexes. He includes plenty of easy-to-follow code examples to help you fully comprehend the strengths and weaknesses of indexes. He also explains when and where NOT to use indexes. You need this manual in your SAS library when building SAS applications involving the need for performance and speed to deliver your data to your end users or clients.

"I strongly encourage ALL SAS users (beginners to advanced levels) to purchase this manual as an effective learning and reference tool. Your money will be well spent on this book. I am pleased to add this to my 'must have' SAS manuals. Now that I have read Michael's new book, I will be looking for more books by this author knowing how well he presents his materials to an audience of varied experiences and skill levels."

Charles Patridge Sr. Data Engineer Full Capture Solutions, Inc

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"I thought I knew indexes inside out, but I certainly learned more about how SAS processes, and how I can exert more control over index usage. This book begins with excellent background on 'what's in it for me' and then provides a solid explanation of what SAS is actually doing. Michael Raithel effectively demonstrates HOW to create and use indexes; but more importantly, he explains WHEN to use (and NOT use) indexes.

"The beginner will be able to make smart choices about index creation and usage and will be able to easily implement indexes. The experienced user will learn excellent tuning tips.

"This book is a 'must read' for any SAS programmer who works with large SAS data sets!"

Marje Fecht Partner Prowerk Consulting