What does the term "iteration" refer to in programming?

In programming, "iteration" specifically refers to the repetition of a process or action, often within the context of executing a set of instructions multiple times. This concept is foundational in the use of loops, which are constructs that allow a program to execute a block of code repeatedly until a specified condition is met.

Iteration can be found in various programming constructs such as "for loops," "while loops," and "do-while loops," which facilitate repeated execution. By using iteration, programmers can efficiently manage tasks that require repetitive actions, such as processing items in a list, performing calculations, or executing commands on a sequence of data.

This process not only saves time and reduces errors as compared to writing the same code multiple times, but it also allows for dynamic decision-making based on changing conditions during the execution of a program. Understanding iteration is critical for developing algorithms and working with data structures in programming.