What is the purpose of CORS headers in web applications?

CORS, or Cross-Origin Resource Sharing, headers are essential for enabling safe cross-origin requests in web applications. When a web application makes a request to a domain different from the one that served the original page, the browser enforces the Same-Origin Policy, which restricts such requests for security reasons. CORS headers provide a way for the server to explicitly allow or deny access to its resources from different origins.

When a server includes the appropriate CORS headers in its response, it essentially informs the browser that the requesting origin is permitted to interact with the resource. This mechanism is critical for modern web applications that rely on APIs hosted on different domains, allowing them to function seamlessly while maintaining security. Thus, the correct answer centers on the role of CORS headers in facilitating requests or responses between various origins, enabling a more interactive and connected web experience.