The replace-mode option defaults to FALSE. If replace-mode is true, the AVM tries to find the corresponding row in the target table, through the target's unique primary index. If a corresponding row is not found in the target table, the AVM uses the source row to create a new target row. If the AVM finds the row in the target, it copies the source row values into that row. If the target row has a BEFORE-TABLE row, that row is left in place. There must be a unique primary index on each target member table in order for the replace-mode option to be used.

When replace-mode is true, it does not matter if append-mode is true or FALSE. The target table is not emptied prior to the copy operation.