What is the purpose of a control character in computing?

A control character serves a specific purpose in computing by directing the operation of hardware or software without representing a visual symbol on the screen. Control characters are used to manage data streams and perform tasks such as formatting text, initiating commands, controlling devices, or signaling the end of a message. They do not produce a visible output but execute functions that are essential for proper data handling and communication between devices.

For instance, a common control character is the line feed, which moves the cursor to the next line without printing a character. This demonstrates how control characters can influence how information is processed and displayed, but they do so behind the scenes rather than by providing readable data or graphics.