Control structures are essential components in programming that dictate the flow of a program's execution. They help programmers make decisions, repeat actions, or branch into different paths based on certain conditions. Common types of control structures include if statements, for loops, and while loops, which allow for flexibility and efficiency in coding. By using control structures, developers can create more dynamic and responsive applications. For instance, an if statement can check whether a user is logged in before granting access to specific features, while a for loop can automate repetitive tasks, such as processing items in a list. These structures are fundamental for writing effective and organized code.