What is the purpose of flaps in an aircraft?

Flaps serve the primary purpose of creating extra lift during critical phases of flight, such as takeoff and landing. By extending outwards and downwards from the wing, flaps increase the curvature and surface area of the wing. This modification allows the aircraft to maintain lift at lower airspeeds, which is crucial when an aircraft is moving slowly during takeoff or approach to landing.

Using flaps effectively enables pilots to approach and land at steeper angles without stalling, hence improving the aircraft's overall safety and performance during these phases. While flaps can also influence drag, their main design and operational intent is primarily centered around enhancing lift.