What do RUN, QUIT, and beginning of a new step signify in SAS?

The choice indicating the end of execution for a step is accurate because RUN, QUIT, and the beginning of a new step serve distinct but related functions in the SAS programming environment.

When a RUN statement is executed, it signifies that SAS should complete the current DATA step or PROC step, ensuring that any preceding code in that step is processed. This means that all calculations or data manipulations defined in that segment of code should be finalized before moving on. Similarly, a QUIT statement is commonly associated with PROC steps and signals that SAS has completed executing the procedure, effectively marking the conclusion of that step.

The beginning of a new step is implied after a RUN or QUIT statement, as the SAS program requires clear markers to delineate between different processes within the code. This structured format allows for organized and sequential execution of the program, ensuring that operations are conducted appropriately and results are generated as expected.

Other options suggest different meanings that may not fully encapsulate the nuances of SAS execution. For instance, while a RUN statement could seem to also indicate the end of a data definition, it specifically marks the conclusion of execution for the current step rather than defining data itself. Thus, recognizing the distinct role of RUN, QUIT, and the introduction of