I've been working with SAS for 12 years, mainly using the programming features instead of the query builder for the last 8. The company has decided to switch everything to Python, and while I'm not thrilled about it, I need to get on board with Python in the next couple of months. My work mainly involves importing .csv and .txt files, linking them to existing datasets, and merging them for reporting in another software. How difficult is this transition really going to be?
4 Answers
You might initially find it tough just because it's a new language, but Python is designed to be easy to pick up, especially for someone with your background. In a few weeks, you’ll likely be comfortable with most of what you need. Just focus on the data manipulation side and importing files, and you should be fine!
I transitioned from SAS to Python a while back and it was a breath of fresh air. Python makes data handling a lot easier, and you'll definitely enjoy it once you get past the initial learning curve. Plus, with Python's popularity, there are tons of resources and community support available.
That's reassuring! I'm looking forward to exploring the flexibility Python offers.
Think of this as an opportunity! Learning Python will not only boost your current skills but also open up more job opportunities. I've transitioned from Excel and VBA to Python, and while there were challenges, it has been worthwhile. Dive in, and you'll find it rewarding!
I'm in a similar boat and feeling optimistic about it too!
Honestly, the switch will probably be easier than you think. Python has a lot of libraries that can handle similar tasks to what you're doing with SAS. It sounds complex, but basic data manipulation in Python, like using pandas, is pretty straightforward. You’ll catch on quickly!
Exactly! And once you get the hang of it, you'll find Python is way more flexible and powerful than SAS.
Agreed, and don't forget to utilize resources like online courses or documentation. They're a huge help!