What does an 'iterator' do in programming?

An iterator is a programming construct that allows you to traverse a data structure, such as a list, array, or collection, without exposing the underlying details of how the data is stored. By using an iterator, a programmer can access each element of the data structure sequentially, which often simplifies the process of iterating over items. This functionality is particularly useful in scenarios where you want to process each item without needing to know how the data structure is implemented, thereby promoting code simplicity and readability.

Iterators are commonly employed in many programming languages, and they provide a standardized way to navigate collections, enhancing the flexibility and reusability of the code. For example, in languages like Python, the for loop can iterate over a list or dictionary by utilizing the iterator protocol, which abstracts the iteration logic.

In contrast, locating a specific value in an array pertains to searching mechanisms rather than traversal, creating functions dynamically involves different aspects of programming paradigms such as functional programming, and defining syntax relates to understanding the rules of the programming language itself. None of these aspects align with the primary role of an iterator.