What is the function of the '//' operator in Python?

Prepare for the WGU C859 Python Test with quiz questions and explanations. Study with clarity on coding concepts and exam format. Ace your exam!

The '//' operator in Python is known as the floor division operator. Its primary function is to divide two numbers and return the largest integer that is less than or equal to the result of the division. This means that the operator performs division and then rounds down to the nearest whole number, effectively returning an integer value.

For instance, when you perform the operation 7 // 3, the result will be 2 because 7 divided by 3 equals approximately 2.33, and floor division rounds it down to 2. This behavior is particularly useful when you want to obtain a count or an index without any decimal points.

In contrast, the other options do not represent the function of the '//' operator. The float division operator would use a single slash and retain decimal points, the string operator concatenates text, and the modulus operator (represented by %) is used to find the remainder of a division operation. Thus, the correct answer accurately describes the behavior of the floor division operator in Python.

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