What is the primary function of the assignment operator in programming?

The primary function of the assignment operator in programming is to set or reset the value of a variable. It allows you to assign a specific value to a variable, enabling you to store data that can be referenced and manipulated later in your code. For example, using the assignment operator, you can write int x = 5;, which assigns the value 5 to the variable x. This operation creates a connection between the variable and the value it holds, allowing you to use x in subsequent operations throughout your program.

By using the assignment operator, you can update the value of a variable as needed. For instance, you might later execute x = 10;, which changes the value stored in x from 5 to 10. This flexibility is essential in programming, as it allows for dynamic data handling and manipulation.

Other options relate to different functionalities within programming concepts. Comparing two values typically utilizes comparison operators (like ==, <, etc.), while performing arithmetic calculations involves arithmetic operators (such as +, -, *, and /). Defining a constant value usually employs specific keywords or conventions to ensure that the value remains unchanged throughout the program duration. Thus, the assignment operator's primary role