Which programming paradigm primarily focuses on explicit, sequenced instructions?

The correct answer is procedural programming, which emphasizes a series of explicit, sequenced instructions to execute tasks. This paradigm consists of procedures or routines that outline the steps needed to complete a specific operation or process. Each step in the procedure is executed in the order it is written, making it straightforward and easy to follow for both the programmer and anyone reviewing the code.

Procedural programming relies on a structured approach, allowing programmers to define functions and procedures clearly. This translates into code that is often easier to read and maintain, especially for tasks that can be broken down into well-defined steps. This level of organization is particularly beneficial in scenarios where a clear flow of operations is crucial, such as data processing and algorithm development.

In contrast, the other paradigms focus on different aspects of programming. Object-oriented programming centers on classes and objects, prioritizing data encapsulation and behavior modeling over a strict sequence of instructions. Event-driven programming is designed around responding to specific events or user interactions rather than executing a linear set of commands. Visual programming utilizes graphical elements and drag-and-drop interfaces to compose programs, which abstracts away the sequence of instructions into visual components instead of explicit code.