What is the significance of the 'except' clause in Python?

The 'except' clause in Python is significant because it is used specifically to handle exceptions that may occur during the execution of a block of code enclosed by a 'try' statement. When a piece of code that could potentially raise an error is placed inside the 'try' block, the 'except' clause follows to catch and manage those exceptions if they arise. This mechanism is crucial for building robust programs, as it allows developers to define specific responses to various errors, ensuring that the program can handle unexpected conditions gracefully rather than crashing.

For instance, if you're trying to open a file that might not exist, wrapping that operation in a 'try' block followed by an 'except' clause allows you to catch the FileNotFoundError and respond accordingly, maybe by logging an error message or prompting the user. This structured approach to error handling enhances the reliability and user experience of the software.