What defines an operator in programming?

An operator in programming is defined as symbols that perform operations on operands. In programming languages, operators are crucial because they allow developers to manipulate data and variables. For example, common operators include arithmetic operators like addition (+), subtraction (-), multiplication (*), and division (/), which operate on numerical operands. Similarly, logical operators (such as AND, OR, and NOT) perform operations on boolean values.

The significance of operators lies in their ability to transform and compute values, enabling the construction of complex expressions. By using operators, programmers can create meaningful algorithms that control the flow of operations in their code, making data processing and calculations straightforward and efficient. This fundamental utility equips developers with a powerful toolset for various programming tasks.