Output iterators are a type of iterator used in programming to facilitate the process of writing data to a destination, such as a file or a data structure. They allow developers to sequentially output elements, making it easier to manage data flow in applications. Output iterators can be particularly useful in algorithms that require the generation of results, as they provide a simple interface for writing data. These iterators are commonly found in languages like C++, where they are part of the Standard Template Library (STL). They can be used with various containers, such as vectors or lists, enabling efficient data manipulation and output.