What is the use of the 'import' statement in programming?

The 'import' statement is a crucial part of programming, particularly in languages like Python. Its primary function is to include modules or libraries into a program, which allows developers to leverage pre-written code, functions, classes, and various resources that are encapsulated within those modules or libraries. This promotes code reuse, makes it easier to manage complex programs by breaking them into smaller, manageable pieces, and saves time, as developers do not need to rewrite common functions or utilities.

Including an external library or module means that the functions defined within that module can be accessed and utilized directly in the user's program. This is particularly useful for various tasks such as data manipulation, mathematical computations, or web development, where existing libraries can provide robust, tested functionality that enhances productivity and efficiency.

The other options, while related to programming concepts, do not accurately describe the purpose of the 'import' statement. Variables are defined within modules but are not the goal of the 'import' statement itself. Executing code from another compiler is not within the scope of what 'import' does; it is more about integrating different codebases or systems, not specifically for compiling. Lastly, encryption of data is a distinct programming function, unrelated to the import mechanism which focuses on including code,