What is the function of the INPUT statement when reading data?

The INPUT statement plays a crucial role in reading data into a dataset, serving as the mechanism through which data values from an input source are assigned to specific variables in SAS. When executing this statement, it delineates how SAS should read input data, whether it comes from a direct input file or an external file. The statement enables the program to recognize the actual data values and map them to the corresponding variables defined within the dataset, thus allowing for the successful incorporation of data into your working environment.

By design, the INPUT statement includes the definition of each variable associated with the data being read, but its primary function is to "input" or read the actual values into the dataset. This is essential for data manipulation and analysis because a dataset cannot be utilized effectively without first loading it with appropriate data values. Therefore, while all the options presented have relevance to data handling in SAS, none fulfill the specific function of the INPUT statement quite like the ability to input data itself.