When attributes are permanently assigned in a DATA step, what is retained?

When attributes are permanently assigned in a DATA step, the correct answer pertains to the attributes that are stored in the data set descriptor. The data set descriptor contains essential information about the data set, including the variable names, data types, lengths, labels, and any formats or informats that have been applied to the variables.

By assigning attributes in a DATA step and using statements like LENGTH, LABEL, and FORMAT, you are establishing certain characteristics for your variables that will persist in the resultant data set. This means that when you save the data set, those attributes are stored and will be available whenever you access the data set in the future.

In contrast, the other options focus on more specific aspects that do not encompass the full range of attributes stored in the data set descriptor. For instance, variable names and numeric values alone do not convey the complete set of attributes, nor do they fully represent the comprehensive nature of the descriptor, making the correct answer particularly relevant and encompassing in this context.