How does a sequence function in programming?

A sequence in programming refers to the execution of instructions in a linear order, where each instruction is executed one after another, from top to bottom. This is fundamental to how most programming languages operate, as it allows for straightforward logic to be built up in a program.

When a programmer writes a sequence of code, each statement or command is processed in the sequence it is written without any branching or looping. This ensures that the output of one instruction can be immediately used by the following one if needed. For example, in a simple calculation, a program might first declare a variable, then perform an operation using that variable, and finally output the result; each of these actions occurs in a specific order one after the other.

Other options address different programming concepts. Executing all instructions at the same time pertains to parallel processing, while skipping instructions based on conditions relates to control structures like if-statements. The looping concept refers to iterative processes that repeatedly execute a block of code until a certain condition is met, which is distinct from the idea of sequencing. Therefore, the defined role of a sequence is to provide a clear, linear pathway for instruction execution in a program.