What is the primary purpose of subroutines in programming?

The primary purpose of subroutines, also known as functions or methods, in programming is to improve code reuse. Subroutines allow programmers to write a block of code once and then call it multiple times throughout their program whenever that specific functionality is needed. This not only reduces code duplication but also makes the code easier to read, maintain, and debug. When spending time optimizing or refactoring code, developers can focus on the subroutine itself without needing to change every instance where the code is used. This leads to more organized and efficient program structure.

While there can be ancillary benefits associated with subroutines, such as potentially enhancing performance through better-organized code and modularity, their primary role is indeed centered around reusability. This focus on reusability allows teams to work on larger codebases more effectively, encouraging collaborative development and iteration on projects.