What does a 'for' loop primarily use to control iteration?

A 'for' loop primarily uses a count to control iteration, which allows the programmer to specify a specific number of times the loop should execute. This structure is commonly employed in programming to iterate over arrays, collections, or to repeat a block of code a designated number of times.

In a 'for' loop, the syntax typically includes three key components: initialization of a control variable (often called the loop counter), a condition that is evaluated before each iteration, and an increment or decrement operation that modifies the counter after each loop cycle. The iteration continues as long as the condition remains true, but it fundamentally relies on the count to determine how many times to execute the loop.

This mechanism is highly efficient for scenarios where the total number of iterations is known in advance, making it preferable in contexts such as iterating through arrays or executing repetitive tasks. The focus on a count provides clarity and control over the loop's execution, ensuring that a specific block of code runs the correct number of times.