TU15 SAS Software Macros- You're Only Limited by Your Imagination, Part II; More Advanced Techniques     Invited

Peter Parker
Office of Textiles and Apparel, US Dept. of Commerce
Abstract: SAS software macros provides the flexibility to perform advanced programming techniques such as receiving real-time user-entered parameters to determine which blocks of code will run and how often. In my previous paper (Part I), I described how to use thes e techniques to write more elegant code. In this paper, I will show how to apply these techniques to read multiple external files based on a user query. Specifically, I will use a real life application and show how it was implemented, using a tightly w ritten program comprised of macros. I needed to determine how often the public accessed the files on my web server. Through iterations of programs that were the evolution of a thought process, I have developed SAS programs that read the web server's log fi les based on the time periods requested in an interactive SAS macro window. These programs can generate a summarized report of web usage. This paper is a learning tool for the professional programmer on conceiving and generating a computer program, usi ng SAS Base and macro software. Those who also want to track hits to their web servers will find this information useful.

Biography:
Peter Parker has been programming since 1979, mostly in SAS software.  He runs a computer operation for the U.S. Department of Commerce.  As well, he runs a consulting firm, Perfect Programmer Enterprises, where he provides programming, office automation a nd applications development support.  He has BA and MA degrees in Economics.  He is a Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) and is certified in Lotus Notes/Domino.  He has presented other papers for SAS conferences (for more details- ttp://www.Perfec tProgrammer.com).