What is the function of a loop in programming?

The function of a loop in programming is to execute a set of instructions repeatedly until a specific condition is met. This allows programmers to run the same code multiple times without having to write it out for each iteration, making the code more efficient and easier to manage. Loops are fundamental in scenarios where the exact number of iterations is not known beforehand, such as processing items in a list until the end is reached or waiting for user input that meets certain criteria.

Using loops helps in reducing redundancy in code, which can make the program more concise and maintainable. For example, in a situation where data needs to be processed one entry at a time, a loop can efficiently handle each entry without needing separate code blocks for each one. This is a key concept in programming, highlighting the importance of loops in automating repetitive tasks and enhancing the overall functionality of software applications.