Towards ADaM programming

When beginning a career in statistical programming, it can be a bit easier if you start by programming SDTM. Indeed, ADaM programming can be a bit intimidating for a junior programmer. Therefore, SDTM is a good place to start for a junior programmer.

Pay attention to where the datasets are going to be used

You should keep in mind that if you are a SDTM programmer, knowing both SDTM and ADaM standards is an advantage. You also have to be aware of which dataset will be used for which output. When performing dataset programing, a review of the TFL that are needed is recommended. That way it will be possible to plan what needs to be programmed for the ADaM datasets. The logic is that if a programmer understands where the data will end up, the better his results will be.

Also, by practicing programming with both SDTM and ADaM, you are not restricted to specific portions of a project. Therefore, this allows you to work on the same projects for longer. This is an advantage if you’re comfortable in your project.

The learning curve

Some companies are conscious that junior programmers need monitoring. Therefore, the mentality is as follows: As programmers develop their skills in new standards, it is critical that the learning is shared with less experienced team members. A way to apply this mentality is to incorporate a mentoring program. Once a junior programmer gains some experience, and some confidence, he can try his hand at mentoring another new programmer. This mentoring implies providing small exercises on specialized topics.

Inventiveness and creativity

Due to the standardization of SDTM data, although some domains require complex mapping, it does not tend to require as much creative problem solving as ADaM programming. Standard SDTM programming templates are likely much more detailed than the ADaM templates. In ADaM programming there is simply much less that can be predicted because this is a more complex standard. Due to this, SDTM can provide an excellent starting point for a programmer. But ADaM programming ultimately allows the development of programming skills. when performing ADaM programming a programmer will use merging techniques, functions and procedures which he would have not used in SDTM programing. Simple conditional programming may have been enough at the SDTM level, this strategy does not apply in ADaM programming. Therefore, when faced with a problem, creating a macro is often the solution. By working on programming challenges laid out by ADaM standard, you are expanding your skills in SAS.