In Python, what is the role of the `pass` statement?

The pass statement in Python is used as a no-operation placeholder. It allows you to create structures where syntactically something is required but no action is needed or implemented yet. This is particularly useful in situations such as defining a function, class, or control flow statement where the implementation is yet to be determined. For example, if you want to define a function but do not want to implement it immediately, you can use pass to maintain the structure of your code without causing any syntax errors.

In scenarios such as using control structures like if statements or loops, placing pass can help maintain the intended structure while clearly indicating that no code will execute in that section. This makes it clear to other developers (or to your future self) that the code is a placeholder for future work.