What does exception handling allow in Python programming?

Exception handling in Python programming is fundamentally important for managing errors and maintaining the flow of a program. The correct answer emphasizes the use of "try and except" blocks, which provide a structured way to handle exceptions or errors that may arise during code execution.

When a piece of code that might generate an error is placed inside a "try" block, Python attempts to execute that code. If an exception occurs, rather than terminating the program unexpectedly, the control shifts to the corresponding "except" block. This mechanism allows developers to define how the program should respond to specific errors, facilitating smoother operation and user experience. For example, instead of crashing the program when a user inputs invalid data, an error message can be displayed, guiding the user instead.

By incorporating exception handling, programmers can ensure that their code is robust and can handle unexpected situations gracefully, which is crucial for developing reliable applications.