What is the function of the `try ... except` block in Python?

The try ... except block in Python is primarily used to handle exceptions, which are unexpected events that may occur during the execution of a program. By implementing this block, you can write code that anticipates potential errors and specifies how to respond to them gracefully, thus preventing the program from crashing.

When code that might raise an exception is placed inside the try block, Python can execute it and, if an error occurs, control is transferred to the corresponding except block. This allows the program to either handle the error (for instance, by logging it or providing an alternative flow) or notify the user instead of terminating unexpectedly. This approach is essential for creating robust applications that can deal with unexpected inputs or situations without losing functionality or data integrity.

Other options do not accurately describe the purpose of a try ... except block. Compiling code is related to the process of converting high-level code into machine language, but it does not involve error handling. Creating a new function relates to the def keyword in Python, not exception handling. Iterating over a sequence is accomplished using loops like for and while, and does not involve try ... except at all. Thus, the correct choice directly addresses the functionality