Cody's Data Cleaning Techniques Using SAS Software

Cody's Data Cleaning Techniques Using SAS Software is the perfect solution for anyone faced with the problems of dealing with messy data. This is an easy-to-follow, very comprehensive exploration of the techniques needed to get data in shape for analysis and reporting. It is an ideal book for the beginning SAS user, loaded with many clear examples of different types of data problems and step-by-step explanations of the solutions. Intermediate and advanced SAS users will also find it quite beneficial. It provides a solid introduction to new data cleaning features available with SAS 7 and 8 and is an ideal refresher for often overlooked, simple solutions. This book is a 'must have' addition to the SAS library of anyone who prepares and cleans data for analysis and reporting. --S. David Riba, CEO, JADE Tech, Inc.

The author, Ron Cody, has a well-deserved reputation in the SAS world as a writer and as a speaker, with several other books and professional papers to his credit. In this book Ron uses an informal, almost chatty style to present various methods to verify the contents of input data sets. Ron ensures that the reader understands WHY a particular solution was suggested and HOW it actually works. However, if the reader only takes the material at face value, he is doing himself a great disservice. Cody's Data Cleaning Techniques Using SAS Software can be used as a fantastic tool to learn some general SAS usage techniques! The beginning SAS programmer can find numerous examples of how to apply various DATA step tools such as formats and functions, and PROCs such as FORMAT, TABULATE, and UNIVARIATE, to real-world examples. The principles discussed in Ron's book can easily be understood and applied by those who have no interest in the stated topic of 'data cleaning.' Even the more experienced SAS programmer can find techniques that they might not have thought of independently. And, for those who want further information about the coding techniques, Ron frequently includes references to outside materials that delve further into the current topic. Overall, I found this to be an outstanding publication, and it will be an excellent addition to my professional library. --Andrew T. Kuligowski, Southeast SAS Users Group