Imagine this – you’re in the thick of your semester projects, and you discover SAS Viya for Learners 4, a cloud-based analytics software provided free to students and educators who register with an academic email address. Oh, the realm of possibilities at your fingertips! Your excitement cannot be contained. You have to reach out to your buddy, who will certainly be as excited as you... Pinch yourself – it’s not a dream! In SAS Studio, tapping into open-source coding capabilities has never been easier. Whether you’re a Python enthusiast or a dedicated R coder, SAS Viya for Learners 4 has you covered!   How to Access These Features: 1.  Pure Python Script: If your task can be accomplished entirely with Python, no need to mix SAS and Python syntax! Keep your code clean and straightforward by using a Python script.  From the Editor Window, simply click the + icon in the Editor window to start a new Python program. Alternatively, click the New button in the top pane and select Python program to create a fresh Python script. Through either method, your script is fully equipped to handle your Python code seamlessly. This method also opens the door to uploading your .PY scripts to SAS Studio so you can continue any previous analyses smoothly!   2.  Harnessing Python with PROC Python: Expand your capabilities by incorporating Python code directly into your SAS workflows using PROC Python. This powerful procedure allows you to run Python scripts within your SAS environment, combining the best of both worlds for a truly integrated analytics experience. If you want to learn more about this, check out @NicolasRobert's post Using PROC PYTHON to augment your SAS programs.   3.  Calling All R Coders: Exciting news for R users! With the latest updates in Viya for Learners 4, you can now execute R code within PROC IML. This integration provides a robust platform for your statistical and mathematical computations, leveraging the full power of R within SAS.   TL;DR Version: There are three ways to utilize Python and R from within SAS Studio on SAS Viya for Learners 4! Python Program: Start a new Python script via the + in the Editor window or the New button in the top pane. PROC Python: Utilize Python code seamlessly within your SAS workflows using the PROC Python procedure. PROC IML for R: Call your R code from within PROC IML to harness the advanced statistical capabilities of R in your SAS environment.   Why Wait? Get Started Today! Explore the enhanced capabilities of Viya for Learners 4 and elevate your data analysis with seamless open-source integrations. Whether you’re scripting in Python or coding in R, SAS Studio makes it easy to bring your projects to life. ... View more

If you've recently transitioned to the new SAS Viya for Learners 4 environment, you might be eager to dive back into your data preparation tasks using familiar tools from previous versions. However, if you're a visual data prepper, you probably noticed that the Prepare Data application (SAS Data Studio) is no longer available. But have no fear, the functionality is still here - we will just hop into Develop Code and Flows (SAS Studio)! First, let’s understand the differences between the two applications - Prepare Data vs. Develop Code and Flows. Interface and Navigation Prepare Data in SAS Viya 3.5: Featured a user-friendly, visual interface tailored specifically for data preparation tasks. Develop Code and Flows in SAS Viya 4: Offers a more comprehensive environment, combining visual data preparation with powerful coding capabilities. You can create and manage data flows visually, but also have the flexibility to write and execute code for more complex tasks. Functionality Prepare Data in SAS Viya 3.5: Focused primarily on data cleaning, transformation, and preparation through a series of visual tools and workflows. Develop Code and Flows in SAS Viya 4: Maintains all the data preparation features you’re accustomed to, while also integrating robust coding and scripting capabilities. This allows for greater customization and control over your data workflows. Learning Curve Prepare Data in SAS Viya 3.5: Designed for ease of use, especially for those who prefer a visual approach to data manipulation. Develop Code and Flows in SAS Viya 4: While it offers visual tools similar to Prepare Data, it also provides an opportunity to deepen your coding skills. The transition might require some initial adjustment, but the added functionality and flexibility are worth it. Let’s get into the nitty gritty You will find the Prepare Data in SAS Viya 3.5 functionality in three places within Develop Code and Flows in SAS Viya 4. And don’t worry, they are still low-code! 1. Steps: Individual actions or commands that you can execute within a data flow or code execution. They represent the building blocks of your data preparation and analysis workflow. Steps can include actions such as importing data, filtering records, merging datasets, or performing transformations. Bonus: You can create your own Custom Step!   2. Tasks: Predefined, reusable components designed to perform common data manipulation and analysis operations. They provide a higher level of abstraction compared to individual steps, often bundling multiple steps into a single operation.   3. Snippets: Reusable pieces of code that you can quickly insert into your programs.They are designed to save time and ensure consistency by allowing you to reuse common code patterns and logic.   Wow! If we were talking merges, this would be a one-to-many when switching from Prepare Data in SAS Viya 3.5 to Develop Code and Flows in SAS Viya 4!   Key Benefits of this Transition Integrated Environment: Develop Code and Flows in SAS Viya 4 combines data preparation, coding, and flow management in one place, streamlining your workflow. Enhanced Flexibility: The ability to switch between visual tools and code allows for more complex and customized data processes. Future-Proof Skills: Learning to navigate and utilize Develop Code and Flows in SAS Viya 4 equips you with valuable coding skills, enhancing your data science and analytics capabilities. By embracing Develop Code and Flows in SAS Viya 4, you can continue to efficiently prepare your data while also expanding your analytical capabilities. If you want more inspiration for the possibilities within Viya for Learners, check out @LGroves' post: Need reasons to get excited about SAS Viya for Learners 4 (VFL4)? Start Here!    Don't miss out on this opportunity to advance your data analytics capabilities with the most innovative platform available. Sign up for SAS Viya for Learners 4 with your academic email address today and start transforming your data into insights! And as you migrate your data preparation into Develop Code and Flows, leave a comment about your new favorite step, task, or snippet! ... View more

Are you navigating the vast landscape of SAS programming and finding yourself in need of a reliable reference? Look no further than the SAS Base Programming Reference sheet, a comprehensive guide covering content from the fundamental building blocks that lay the groundwork for the entire SAS language.   Foundational Information at Your Fingertips Understanding the foundational elements of SAS programming is essential for your programming journey – these concepts serve as the backbone for more advanced topics, making them the starting point for mastering the SAS language.     A Study Companion for Certification Success Studying for the SAS Base Programming Specialist certification? The SAS Base Programming Reference sheet is your ideal study companion. It consolidates the required syntax information into a convenient format, making it easier for you to review and reinforce your understanding. With this reference sheet by your side, you can approach the certification exam with confidence, armed with the knowledge you need to excel.   Accessible to All The SAS Base Programming Reference sheet is readily available in many places. For anyone in academia, you can find them within the SAS Skill Builder for Students and the SAS Educator Portal. They are included within the SAS Certified Specialist and SAS Certified Associate certification pathways under Extra Practice.   It is also available on the SAS Certification webpage for the Base Programming Specialist exam under Additional Training Tools. This central hub for SAS certification resources ensures that aspiring programmers have easy access to the information they need to succeed. Whether you are gearing up for the Base Programming certification or looking to reinforce your existing knowledge, this reference sheet is a valuable asset.   A Handy Tool for Program Development Beyond certification preparation, the SAS Programming Syntax Reference sheet proves invaluable in the day-to-day life of a SAS programmer. Keep it handy while developing new programs to quickly look up syntax details, ensuring accuracy and efficiency in your coding. Whether you're a novice or an experienced coder, having a quick reference guide can significantly enhance your programming workflow.   In conclusion, the SAS Base Programming Reference sheet is a must-have resource for anyone working with SAS programming. From mastering foundational concepts to acing certification exams and streamlining your programming tasks, this reference sheet is a versatile tool that deserves a place in every SAS programmer's toolkit.   Make sure to check it out and elevate your SAS programming experience today!  ... View more

  SAS Viya for Learners, a full suite of cloud-based analytics software, is free for anyone with an academic email and accessible quickly and easily in-browser. One of the premier applications within SAS Viya for Learners is SAS Visual Analytics, which empowers users to explore, analyze, and communicate data-driven narratives seamlessly.   Whether you build a valuable graphic that you want to add into a presentation, or you need to share your assignment progress with your instructor, here’s how you export a static copy of your report.   From within SAS Visual Analytics (Explore and Visualize) on SAS Viya for Learners, select the report Menu button in the top right corner, then select Print from the options.                                         A pop-up will appear, which allows you to customize your report PDF. By default, a cover page, page numbers, and an appendix are included. You can toggle additional options, such as the Include printed Table of Contents and Include details tables, based on your needs.   Moving to the Select Objects tab, you are able to either Print all objects or Print selected items. This allows you to subset the pages and objects included from your report in the exported PDF. In this example the full Supplier Analysis page is printed and only selected objects from the Profit Analysis page are printed.   Once you have selected all the options and items you want to export, select Print. You’ll see a pop-up at the bottom of the report saying the PDF is being generated. Once it’s finished, the PDF will be downloaded to your computer.     Attached is the report that was downloaded. Notice that based on the options selected previously, there is a cover page, a table of contents, expanded details pages, and specific objects printed based on your selections.   If you want to share an interactive Visual Analytics report from your tenant to someone else’s, check out @bryanmehi's article about Sharing Reports in SAS Viya for Learners!   ... View more

The SAS Educator Portal is an exceptional resource for higher education instructors teaching SAS and analytics. The highlights?   Accessible: The portal is free and available online 24/7.   Robust: You will find a wealth of resources designed to meet your teaching and learning needs from curricular assets, data sets, or analytical tools. Check out what’s included in the SAS Educator Portal in @Emily_Pressman's post: Bring Analytics in your Classroom with the SAS Educator Portal.   If you haven’t already, create a SAS Profile – and don’t forget to use your academic email address for seamless entry into all the FREE academic resources!   COMING SOON: A video by yours truly navigating the SAS Educator Portal! ... View more

Have you heard - Data upload has arrived for EVERYONE in SAS Viya for Learners!     In the video below, I'll teach you how to unlock the secret of uploading your own data to SAS Viya for Learners! Not only does this open your possibilities for discovering new insights but also engages your learning to create more personalized, meaningful analysis. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a newcomer to VFL, we've got you covered. So, grab your data, open a new browser tab, and let's dive in!      If you're not a “watch a video to learn” person, check out Back-to-School Part 1 - Using Your Own Data in SAS Viya for Learners or follow the official instructions on the SAS Viya for Learners site.   As you pinpoint a dataset you want to upload, keep in mind the following:  Each dataset you upload must be no larger than 100MB. If your dataset exceeds this limit, follow @LGroves's article Ways to Handle the 100mb Data Upload Restriction in SAS Viya for Learners, Part I and Part II. You can upload multiple datasets at once. All the datasets you upload, save, and create contribute to your personal data storage capacity of 5GB.  For guaranteed performance using your dataset across applications, the recommended data types are .sas7bdat, .sashdat or .csv file in UTF-8 format.  To effectively use an uploaded Excel file, check out @JackieJ_SAS's article, Importing an Excel file into SAS Viya for Learners. Now, fellow learners and aspiring data scientists, it’s your turn! No matter which application you choose, let your data lead the way. Remember: The journey of a thousand insights begins with a single upload!  ... View more