What option allows SAS to handle missing values in input data without creating a new record?

The option that allows SAS to handle missing values in input data without creating a new record is the MISSOVER statement. This statement is particularly useful when reading data in fixed-column or formatted input scenarios.

When using MISSOVER, SAS reads an entire line of input and assigns missing values to variables that are not encountered in that line. This means if there are fewer values in the input than there are variables in the SAS program, it will set the remaining variables to missing, rather than moving to the next record in the data. This is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the data being processed, as it prevents the introduction of unintended records.

This approach helps in situations where the structures of the input data can lead to discrepancies—by keeping the data flow continuous without breaking or jumping to a new line, it allows for a more straightforward reading of the data and better management of missing values. The other choices involve different mechanisms for handling data input but do not specifically achieve the functionality of preventing the creation of new records when encountering missing values.