Getting Started with the SAS System Using SAS/ASSIST Software

SAS/ASSIST Software

SAS/ASSIST software is a menu-driven, task-oriented interface to the SAS System. It enables users of all experience levels to access the power of the SAS System without having to learn SAS programming statements. SAS/ASSIST software enables you to perform tasks efficiently using templates and menus. The way each task works within SAS/ASSIST software is similar. After you master one task, other tasks are easy to complete.

SAS/ASSIST software helps you complete tasks easily by providing features that, for example, identify required fields and display selection lists to prevent user errors. Once you have set up a task, you can save task window selections and run the same task again in a later session. In the background, SAS/ASSIST software automatically generates SAS code with descriptive comments as it performs many of your tasks. You can save, edit, and re-execute this code. The SAS/ASSIST Result Manager enables you to manage your saved tasks and code.

With SAS/ASSIST software, you have a single tool to help you complete many different types of tasks, including end-user reporting, presentation graphics, query and reporting, and decision support. The data access capabilities of the SAS System enable you to use data stored in almost any format or location, ranging from flat files to PC files and database management systems such as DB2, ORACLE, and IMS-DL/I. After you have accessed your data, SAS/ASSIST software gives you a variety of ways to store, manipulate, and transfer data. Additionally, you can combine code generated by SAS/ASSIST with pre-defined objects and SAS Component Language (SCL) to create applications.

SAS/ASSIST software also enables you to customize your environment to accommodate individual and group preferences by setting options in Master, Group, and User profiles. For example, you can use a private menu to add or remove direct access to saved SAS/ASSIST tasks and to specific windows.

SAS/ASSIST software includes an online tutorial, which contains instructions for performing commonly used SAS/ASSIST tasks. You can access the tutorial by selecting Help from the WorkPlace menu bar and then selecting Getting Started with SAS/ASSIST Software. The Tutorial appears in a separate window, so you can follow the directions in the Tutorial window while you perform the tasks in the SAS/ASSIST window.

Chapter Contents
Previous
Next
Top of Page