What does the modulus operator (%) do in programming?

The modulus operator (%) is used in programming to find the remainder of the division of two numbers. When you apply the modulus operator to two operands, it performs a division but only returns what is left over after the division has taken place.

For example, if you take 10 and divide it by 3, the result of the division is 3 with a remainder of 1. Using the modulus operator, 10 % 3 would yield 1, which is the remainder. This functionality of the modulus operator is particularly useful in various programming scenarios, such as determining whether a number is even or odd, cycling through array indices, or implementing algorithms that require periodic checks or actions.

Understanding the role of the modulus operator is fundamental, as it plays a critical part in various programming tasks that involve divisions and comparisons.