Which statement about PROC FEDSQL is true?

PROC FEDSQL is indeed designed to be vendor-neutral, which means it can be used to write SQL queries that are adaptable across different database management systems. This characteristic allows SAS users to utilize standard SQL syntax when executing queries, regardless of the underlying data source, without needing to adjust their syntax for different database systems. This design promotes flexibility and enables easier integration of data from various platforms, making it a powerful tool for data manipulation and retrieval within the SAS environment.

The notion of vendor neutrality is critical, especially in environments where data might reside in multiple types of databases, such as Oracle, SQL Server, or PostgreSQL. This flexibility allows organizations to use PROC FEDSQL to achieve consistency in querying disparate data sources without the need to learn multiple SQL dialects.

In contrast, the other options present limitations or inaccuracies regarding PROC FEDSQL's functionality. For instance, it is not strictly SAS-specific SQL, as it draws from standard SQL that can be used across various vendors. Additionally, while PROC FEDSQL can connect to various databases, it is capable of executing queries on Oracle databases. Lastly, concerning string handling, PROC FEDSQL adheres to standard SQL conventions, which typically do not require double quotation marks for string literals; single quotation marks are commonly used instead.