What is an operator in programming?

An operator in programming is defined as a symbol that performs operations on variables and values. This encompasses a variety of specific functions depending on the type of operator being used. For example, arithmetic operators like addition (+), subtraction (-), multiplication (*), and division (/) manipulate numerical values, while logical operators such as AND (&&) and OR (||) evaluate boolean expressions.

In programming, operators are essential for conducting computations, manipulating data, or controlling the flow of a program. They enable developers to perform tasks such as calculations, comparisons, and assignments, making them fundamental components in both scripting and programming languages.

The other options represent different concepts: a type of data structure refers to a way of organizing and storing data, an instruction for the compiler refers to a specific command or directive given to the compiler that helps it understand how to translate code, and a comment added for readability is used to annotate code for clarity but does not perform any operations. Therefore, the option regarding operators distinctly highlights their role in executing operations on data, making it the correct choice.