What is the function of the 'fetch' API in JavaScript?

The 'fetch' API in JavaScript is primarily designed to make network requests and handle responses asynchronously. It enables developers to easily send HTTP requests to servers to retrieve or send data, such as JSON or text data. The asynchronous nature of the 'fetch' API allows the program to continue executing while waiting for the server's response, which enhances the performance and responsiveness of web applications.

Using the 'fetch' API, developers can access resources across the network, handle different types of responses, manage errors effectively, and process the results in a promise-based approach. This ability to handle requests and responses without blocking the main thread is crucial in modern web development, where efficient interaction with APIs is a common requirement. Therefore, the function of the 'fetch' API is fundamentally centered on making network requests and managing the resulting data asynchronously.