What information does PROC CONTENTS provide about a dataset?

PROC CONTENTS in SAS is designed to provide detailed metadata information about a dataset. This includes essential characteristics such as the names of the variables, their respective types (e.g., numeric or character), the length of each variable, and any associated attributes like labels and formats. Additionally, it provides the number of observations and variables in the dataset, offering an overview of the dataset's structure.

This specific focus on metadata distinguishes PROC CONTENTS from other procedures. For example, it does not display actual data records or graphical representations, nor does it calculate summary statistics. Instead, it presents a structured overview that is crucial for understanding the dataset in preparation for analysis or manipulation. This makes option B the correct answer, as it accurately describes the comprehensive informational output that PROC CONTENTS provides about datasets.