What is the primary benefit of using the `import` keyword in JavaScript?

The primary benefit of using the import keyword in JavaScript is that it helps avoid polluting the global namespace, leading to modular code. By importing modules, developers can encapsulate functionality within specific files and avoid naming conflicts that could arise from using the same variable or function names across multiple scripts. This modular approach not only enhances code organization and maintainability but also improves collaboration among developers, as they can clearly define and control what is exposed and what remains private within each module.

Modular code enables the development of scalable applications where components can be developed, tested, and maintained independently. By using import, developers can bring in specific functionalities as needed without cluttering the global scope, leading to cleaner and more manageable codebases. This is especially crucial in large applications where multiple libraries or scripts might be interacting with each other.