Date:         Tue, 4 Apr 2006 14:15:34 -0700
Reply-To:     David L Cassell <davidlcassell@MSN.COM>
Sender:       "SAS(r) Discussion" <SAS-L@LISTSERV.UGA.EDU>
From:         David L Cassell <davidlcassell@MSN.COM>
Subject:      Re: Posting Stats from SAS-L BOF
In-Reply-To:  <200604040946.k342m386009369@mailgw.cc.uga.edu>
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed

flom@NDRI.ORG replied:
>I can figure out the basic SET and MERGE statements.  This tends to make
>my
>code less efficient, in that I use many more data steps than I need to.
>However,
>since I never have really large data sets, I would say, in a certain
>sense, it makes
>my code MORE efficient, since I can understand, very quickly what my
>code is doing,
>and so can anyone with the most basic knowledge.
>
>I am currently in the position of having to figure out what a colleague
>who moved to another
>job did.  Unfortunately, she was
>a) Not an expert SAS programmer
>b) Had to do some complex stuff
>and
>c) DId not put many comments in her code (she has put some, which helps)
>
>Once I figure out how to ask my questions sensibly, I will post them
>here,
>I think they may entertain and maybe even intrigue the DATA step mavens
>
>(As a preview, it's network data....that is, person A is interviewed, he
>names person B.  Then person
>B is interviewed.  A anmswers questions about B, and B answers them
>about A.  Now I have to
>compare.  But A may also be asked about C, who may or may not be
>interviewed, and (if interviewed)
>will be asked about A.....well, like I said, first I have to formulate
>my questions.

This sounds more like a PROC SQL problem.

But that's just a first impression.  When you formulate the quesitons, then
come on back.  But don't paint yourself into a corner by assuming the
problem has to be done with data steps.

HTH,
David
--
David L. Cassell
mathematical statistician
Design Pathways
3115 NW Norwood Pl.
Corvallis OR 97330

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