In C, what is the purpose of the `return` statement?

The return statement in C is used to send a value back from a function to the caller of that function. When a function is defined to return a specific type, the return statement must provide a value of that type when the function execution reaches the return point. This allows the caller to receive the computed result or any other value that the function is intended to provide. For example, in a function that performs a calculation, the return statement can be used to send the result of that calculation back to the place where the function was called, enabling further use of that result in subsequent code.

Choosing this option reflects an understanding of the function's role in C programming. Functions are essential for organizing code and allowing for reusable logic, and the ability to return values enhances their utility by allowing the output of computations to be passed back to the calling context. This concept is fundamental in C and programming in general, as it forms the basis of how functions communicate results.