PROC FCMP User-Defined Functions: An Introduction to the SAS Function Compiler

Elevate your programming skills with PROC FCMP.

In PROC FCMP User-Defined Functions, readers are introduced to the SAS Function Compiler, which enables users to create user-defined functions and subroutines. These modular, callable software components complement the diverse array of SAS built-in functions and extend the SAS programming language, creating more building blocks for constructing future software!

The book opens by introducing the role of functions in software design and explaining how functions improve software quality characteristics. It then moves on to basic PROC FCMP syntax, including how to define and call user-defined functions. Next, readers learn about the SAS array and hash object, the primary data structures leveraged by PROC FCMP, and how PROC FCMP can manipulate them behind the scenes.

Finally, the Python Component Object is introduced, which facilitates the interoperability of SAS and Python. PROC FCMP runs Python functions natively inside a SAS wrapper, which allows open-source functions to be incorporated without needing to be rewritten in SAS.

PROC FCMP is a game changer. This book empowers readers to not only build better software, but also to embrace a more productive and efficient software development environment.