What do Layouts define within Sitecore?

Layouts in Sitecore are crucial for defining the structure of a webpage and determining where various components will be placed within that page. They serve as templates that set up the foundational elements of the web pages, ensuring that a consistent structure is maintained across different parts of a website. This includes specifying areas where placeholders will be used to inject dynamic content, such as text, images, or interactive components.

In practice, layouts allow developers to create reusable structures that can be applied to multiple pages, thereby enhancing efficiency and maintaining design consistency. This capability is vital for creating a scalable and manageable digital experience, as it separates the content from its presentation.

In contrast, specific content types, user access roles, and design themes pertain to different aspects of Sitecore's functionalities. Content types define the kind of content that can be created within Sitecore, user roles dictate permissions for different users, and design themes are focused on the aesthetic elements of marketing materials rather than operational webpage structure. This highlights the distinctive role layouts play in the development of web pages within the Sitecore environment.