SAS Macro Programming Made Easy

Rating:
Summary: Good not great
Review: For many SAS users, this book might quite adequately serve their needs. However it does not seem characterized by a deep love of clear and incisive explanation (at no point did I say "Wow, what a great explanation!"). Instead, the author seems to trust that, since the information is "there", then this is quite adequate (for some readers it will be). The author's type of explanation can be summarize in this way: 1) name the function (basically technical jargon), 2) describe what it does (more technical jargon), and 3) elaborate how it solves certain problems. A reversal of this order is clearly more effective: 1) lay out a problem (likely to be of concern), 2) describe in simplified general terms the solution, 3) explain the specifics of the solution (and the technical jargon) last, only after the general concept has already been simply explained. If an author can do this, it is a real contribution, and a real accomplishment, bringing powerful tools to many readers that might otherwise find them dry or inaccessible.

Rating:
Summary: Good not great
Review: For many SAS users, this book might quite adequately serve their needs. However it does not seem characterized by a deep love of clear and incisive explanation (at no point did I say "Wow, what a great explanation!"). Instead, the author seems to trust that, since the information is "there", then this is quite adequate (for some readers it will be). The author's type of explanation can be summarize in this way: 1) name the function (basically technical jargon), 2) describe what it does (more technical jargon), and 3) elaborate how it solves certain problems. A reversal of this order is clearly more effective: 1) lay out a problem (likely to be of concern), 2) describe in simplified general terms the solution, 3) explain the specifics of the solution (and the technical jargon) last, only after the general concept has already been simply explained. If an author can do this, it is a real contribution, and a real accomplishment, bringing powerful tools to many readers that might otherwise find them dry or inaccessible.

Rating:
Summary: This book is really excellent .
Review: This book is really good for Beginners . Its easy to follow different concepts and macro porcessing was very clearly explained with good examples. This book gives a good understanding of core topics.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent book
Review: This book will teach you macros. For such as small book it packs a big punch. I've read it two times already. My only complaint is the flimsy paper quality of the book. For [dollar amount] you would expect a better paper quality for such a small book. If you can, borrow the book and photocopy the whole thing.

Rating:
Summary: Good
Review: Through careful and patient reading, this book helped me learn Macros. For many SAS users, this book might quite adequately serve their needs.

The author's style of explanation can be summarize in this way: 1) give the name the command,
2) describe what it does, and
3) elaborate how it solves certain problems.

For many students (I am a teacher), a reversal of this order is can also be effective, and frequently more effective:
1) lay out a problem/task
2) describe the solution
3) explain the technical aspects last.

For many readers, the way the book is already set up will work great (with patience it worked for me!) and I applaud the author for bringinig these powerful tools to SAS users.