What is an 'if' statement used for in C++?

An 'if' statement in C++ is used for conditional execution of code, allowing you to execute a block of code only if a specified condition evaluates to true. This is essential for controlling the flow of a program based on certain conditions, enabling dynamic decision-making within the code. For example, if you want to execute a specific action only when a user input meets certain criteria, you would encapsulate that action within an 'if' statement.

This capability is fundamental in programming, as it allows for more complex algorithms and interactions with users or data. By checking conditions and executing different paths of code accordingly, 'if' statements facilitate the creation of responsive and flexible applications.