What are the purposes of `import` and `export` statements in JavaScript?

The purpose of import and export statements in JavaScript is to facilitate the sharing of functions, objects, or values between different modules. When a piece of code is organized into modules, it allows for clearer structure and reusability of components. By using export, developers can specify which variables, functions, or objects can be accessible from other modules. Correspondingly, the import statement enables developers to pull in these exported items into a different module, where they can be utilized as needed. This modular approach is essential for managing larger codebases, ensuring that code is maintainable and organized.

While managing dependencies between different JavaScript files is a related concept, the specific functionality of import and export focuses on the transfer of functionalities and values between those files or modules. The other options, such as defining variables in different scopes or manipulating DOM elements, do not directly relate to the primary role of import and export statements. These statements play a critical role in the modern JavaScript environment, particularly with ES6 modules, by allowing developers to better collaborate and build applications in a modular fashion.