What is the purpose of an 'import' statement in JavaScript?

The purpose of an 'import' statement in JavaScript is to include modules, functions, or variables from other files. This is a crucial feature in modular programming, allowing developers to break down their code into separate files and then bring them together in a single file for execution. By using the import statement, code can be organized in a way that promotes reusability and maintainability.

When you import a module, you gain access to its functionality, whether it's a user-defined module or a built-in one from the JavaScript standard library. This allows developers to leverage existing code without the need to rewrite functionality, promoting cleaner and more efficient coding practices.

The concepts of defining variables, creating objects, or initializing components are distinct actions that do not directly relate to the purpose of an import statement. Defining a variable relates to storing data, creating a new object involves instantiating a class or function, and initializing a component refers to setting up an instance of a class or framework without the implication of including external code. Therefore, the essential role of the import statement is as a tool for modularization and integration of functionality across different JavaScript files.