What is the role of the 'except' block in error handling?

The 'except' block is specifically designed to handle exceptions that may be raised during the execution of code within a 'try' block. When an error occurs in the 'try' block, the flow of execution jumps to the corresponding 'except' block, allowing for a customized response to the error. This mechanism is crucial for robust programs because it prevents the program from crashing unexpectedly and provides a way to manage errors gracefully.

For example, without an 'except' block, if an error occurs, the program might terminate abruptly, displaying a traceback of the error. However, with the 'except' block, the programmer can instruct the program to take specific actions—such as logging the error, notifying the user, or attempting a recovery process—when an exception is encountered. Thus, the role of the 'except' block is integral to effective error handling in programming, allowing for improved control over how errors are processed and reported.