What does a control structure do in programming?

A control structure in programming plays a crucial role in managing the flow of execution within a script. By specifying how a program should respond to different conditions or how to iterate through data, control structures enable programmers to create dynamic and flexible code. This includes using constructs like loops, conditionals (such as if-else statements), and switches that allow the script to make decisions and repeat actions based on specific criteria.

This is essential for creating programs that can handle various scenarios and inputs effectively, allowing for more complex behavior than merely executing code linearly from start to finish. For example, a control structure can dictate that if a certain condition is met, a particular block of code should run; otherwise, another block should execute. This capability is fundamental for building any responsive application or script that can adapt to its environment, user input, or other dynamic factors.