What is the purpose of the target attribute in HTML?

The target attribute in HTML is used specifically to determine where a linked document will open when a user clicks on a hyperlink. By setting the target attribute, developers can control the behavior of the links on their web pages. For example, using "_blank" as a target value will open the link in a new browser tab, while "_self" will open it in the same frame or window. This functionality is crucial for enhancing user experience by allowing multiple documents to be accessed simultaneously without navigating away from the original page.

The other options do not relate to the purpose of the target attribute. Defining the type of list pertains to list elements in HTML, formatting text in bold relates to text styling, and creating tables involves different HTML elements specifically meant for tabular data. Each of these functions serves a distinct role in HTML, separate from the purpose of managing link behavior through the target attribute.