Which control structure allows for executing a code block a defined number of times?

The for loop is a control structure specifically designed to execute a block of code a defined number of times. It is commonly used when the number of iterations is known beforehand, allowing the programmer to specify the initial condition, the termination condition, and the increment step in a concise manner. This makes it particularly effective for scenarios where a task needs to be repeated a specific number of times, such as iterating over a collection or performing calculations a set number of times.

The flexibility and clarity of the for loop help in managing iterations efficiently, which is why it is a preferred choice for tasks with a predetermined count. In contrast, other control structures like while loops are better suited for situations where the number of iterations isn’t known in advance and depends on a condition being true. Statements like if and switch serve different purposes, focusing on conditional execution rather than defining a repetitive process.