This guide provides foundational knowledge for users of the SAS (Statistical Analysis System) programming language, focusing on its 1979 iteration. It aims to equip readers with the essential commands, syntax, and data manipulation techniques required for statistical analysis and data management using SAS. The book serves as a primary reference for understanding the capabilities and structure of the SAS system as it existed in the late 1970s.

As a foundational text from 1979, this guide is likely regarded as a historical artifact and a crucial reference for understanding the early development of the SAS language. Its directness and focus on the specific version of SAS available at the time would have made it an indispensable tool for statisticians and data analysts of that era. While modern SAS versions have evolved significantly, this book offers insight into the language's origins and the fundamental principles that may still underpin current functionalities.