What is a conditional statement in programming?

A conditional statement in programming is a statement that enables the execution of certain sections of code based on specific conditions being met. This functionality is crucial for guiding the flow of a program, allowing it to make decisions and respond differently under varying circumstances.

When a condition in a conditional statement evaluates to true, the associated block of code is executed. If the condition evaluates to false, the program can proceed with a different section of code, often through an alternative path provided by constructs such as "else" statements. This feature is fundamental in controlling program logic, enabling functionality such as decision making, iteration, and branching.

Other options do not accurately describe conditional statements. For example, commands for comments do not affect the flow of the program but are meant for adding notes within the code for clarity. A section of code that always executes does not rely on conditions and is generally referred to as unconditional. Directives for optimizing efficiency might relate to performance improvements but do not pertain to the purpose of conditional statements in managing program logic.