Which option in the PROC EXPORT procedure allows for the overwriting of an existing file?

The PROC EXPORT procedure in SAS is used to export a data set to an external file. In this context, the REPLACE option is specifically designed to allow the export process to overwrite an existing file if that file already exists. When REPLACE is specified, SAS will automatically delete the existing file prior to writing the new file with the same name. This feature is particularly useful for scenarios where updated data needs to be exported without keeping prior versions of the file.

Understanding the implications of using REPLACE is important for data management and ensuring that only the most current data is saved in the designated file location. The other options lack this specific functionality: APPEND adds new data to existing files without overwriting; IGNORE doesn’t have a direct context in this scenario and is not a standard option for managing file exports; and DELETE does not relate to the process at all, as it is not an option used within PROC EXPORT.