People Power: Dan Heyl on "options mprint symbolgen" and Julia Child

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Let's learn more about Dan Heyl in this edition of People Power.

What do you do?

I am a developer for the SAS® Enterprise Miner™ mid-tier, which is the part of the product that interacts with both the client-facing code (the GUI) and the SAS server code. This requires me to be knowledgeable in all facets of Enterprise Miner: the client, the mid-tier, and the server layer.

What surprises you most about your job?

The countess ways in which our customers use Enterprise Miner and the creative solutions they develop to solve their unique business problems. I really enjoy learning about these solutions and understanding how customers utilize the functionality of the Enterprise Miner offering.

What aspect do you like best? Worst?

I enjoy learning about the business problems and creating solutions that enable customers to solve these business problems within the Enterprise Miner offering. The bigger and more complex the problem is, the more I enjoy working on it!

Fill-in-the-blank: Because of what I do ...

Customers have tools that they can rely upon to help them solve the business problems they face on a daily basis.

Memorable moments?

My first code change that shipped in a release is always a favorite memory! It is satisfying to know that your work is being used by customers.

What is your fantasy job (if SAS didn’t exist)?

I like learning new information, working with people, and sharing the knowledge I have. One thing that I really would enjoy is teaching others about computer science and how to use it to creatively and effectively solve interesting problems. My hobbies are photography, playing piano, and cooking, so any applications there that I can use computer science would be really cool!

What’s your favorite SAS/coding trick?

Being on the mid-tier, I don’t code in SAS much, but when I do, my favorite SAS code is "options mprint symbolgen;" It’s a lifesaver!

What is your ‘pick’ – from technology to movies to music, what are you into these days?

I love to cook and at the moment I’ve gone retro into Julia Child’s classic, “Mastering the Art of French Cooking.” Dated as it is, it is still an invaluable resource for the home cook 53 years after its publication, and one should not forget to mention its delectable recipes!