What is the purpose of the <input> element in HTML?

The element in HTML is specifically designed to create interactive controls within web forms. This element allows users to enter data, making it a fundamental part of user interaction on a website. It can take various types such as text fields, checkboxes, radio buttons, and more, providing the necessary functionality to capture user input in a structured manner.

By utilizing the element, developers can design forms that facilitate data submission and interact with server-side processing, which is critical in applications like registration forms, surveys, and login pages. This interactivity is essential for engaging users and gathering their responses effectively. Thus, this correctly identifies the role of the element as pivotal for enabling user interaction through forms on web pages.