What effect does the turnLeft() command have on Karel?

The turnLeft() command instructs Karel to rotate 90 degrees to the left while remaining in the same position on the grid. This means that regardless of Karel's current facing direction, executing the turnLeft() command will change Karel's orientation without moving it forward or backward. For instance, if Karel is facing north and the command is executed, Karel will then face west. The command is crucial for navigating the environment, allowing Karel to make directional changes as needed while performing tasks.

This action does not involve any movement, nor does it turn Karel off or cause it to face the opposite direction, which would require a different set of commands, such as executing turnLeft() twice or using turnRight(). Therefore, the understanding of how the turnLeft() command works is fundamental for programming Karel to successfully navigate and complete tasks in its environment.