At 03:39 PM 7/7/2008, Carolyn Catenhauser wrote:

>My company could benefit from SPSS programming, so I am looking to >get into it, but I'm not a programmer. I know SPSS syntax but I >haven't gotten into macros. I think Python is the way to go.

If you're thinking macros, then, for most purposes, Python is a superior replacement. As a 'macro processor', it's a far more powerful programming language than is the SPSS macro language; and it has advantages that include access to the data dictionary of the active file.

Beyond that, Python offers an alternative to the native SPSS transformation language, for carrying out transformations on the active file. (This applies only to SPSS 15 and later.)

Look at Jon Peck's modules on SPSS Developer Central, to see what would be of service to you.

Yes, Python is very useful. But it's also an added layer of complexity. Look at what you need and want to do; and, generally, take at least one good look at how you'd do that in native SPSS, before taking Python as the solution.

-Good luck to you and your company, Richard

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