What does the type() function do in Python?

The type() function in Python is used to identify and return the data type of a specified value or variable. When you pass a variable or value to this function, it evaluates the argument and tells you what kind of data type it is, such as int for integers, str for strings, list for lists, and so on. This functionality is particularly useful for debugging and ensuring that the data being worked with is of the expected type, enabling developers to write type-sensitive code more reliably.

By understanding the data type, programmers can make informed decisions about how to manipulate that data or whether additional type conversions might be necessary for operations.