Which of the following statements is true regarding function declarations in programming?

In programming, particularly in languages like C, C++, and Java, functions must be declared before they are used in the code. This means that the interpreter or compiler needs to understand the function's signature and behavior prior to any calls that may invoke the function. Declaring a function defines its name, its return type, and any parameters it may take. If you attempt to call a function before it has been declared, the compiler will throw an error as it does not recognize the function being referenced.

For example, in C, if you try to call a function before declaring it with a prototype, the code will not compile because the compiler will not know what the function is or how to handle the call. Thus, declaring functions before they are called is essential for the code to function correctly and without errors.

This understanding reinforces the importance of function declarations in maintaining clarity in the structure of the program, allowing for clear and organized code that can be easily read and maintained.