Arizona State University (ASU) CSE100 Principles of Programming with C++ Midterm 1 Practice Exam

The `cout` object in C++ is specifically utilized for outputting data to the standard output stream, which is typically the console or terminal window. This functionality is integral to displaying information to users. When you use `cout`, it enables you to send various types of data—such as strings, integers, or floating-point numbers—directly to the output, enhancing the interactive nature of programs.

For example, when you write a statement like `cout << "Hello, World!";`, it instructs the program to display "Hello, World!" on the screen. This capability is essential for providing feedback, results, and debugging information during program execution. The usage of the insertion operator (`<<`) with `cout` allows for chaining multiple outputs in a single statement, improving code efficiency and readability.

In contrast, the roles of reading input, defining constants, or storing variables are performed by other constructs in C++. Input is typically handled by `cin`, constants can be defined using `const` or `#define`, and variables are created using data types followed by the variable name. Thus, `cout` specifically serves the unique purpose of facilitating output, making option B the clear choice.