What is the primary purpose of using comments in Karel programs?

Comments in Karel programs serve the essential function of explaining the code to anyone who reads it. This is particularly beneficial for both the original programmer, who may return to the code after some time, and for others who might need to understand the logic and purpose behind specific sections of the code. Good comments clarify what certain commands do, outline the overall structure of the program, and help in documenting the thought process during coding. By making the code easier to understand, comments contribute to better maintenance, collaboration, and learning within programming environments.

The other options do not accurately reflect the role of comments; they are not intended to speed up execution, provide additional functionality, or complicate the code. Instead, their primary role is centered on communication and understanding within the coding context.