What purpose does an Apex step serve in a deployment process?

The purpose of an Apex step in a deployment process is to define the execution of tasks. This means that it allows for the execution of custom Apex code during a deployment, enabling complex logic and operations that can be performed as a part of the release. By utilizing Apex steps, organizations can automate processes that may not be possible through standard deployment steps, ensuring that specific business rules are followed during the deployment workflow.

In the context of deployment processes, Apex steps can interact with Salesforce data, perform calculations, or trigger other processes based on conditions set within the Apex code. This flexibility is crucial for tailoring deployments to meet unique business requirements, thereby enhancing the overall deployment strategy within an organization.

The other options, while they may hold relevance in certain contexts, do not accurately capture the primary function of an Apex step in a deployment process. Thus, defining how tasks are executed is the core function that sets Apex steps apart in deployment scenarios.