What is the main purpose of the "COUNTIF" function in Excel?

a$.$

Converting text to uppercase characters in a selected range of cells.

b$.$

Summing the values of cells within a range that meets a specific condition.

c$.$

Sorting data in alphabetical order based on a chosen column.

d$.$

Calculating the sum of a range of numbers in a worksheet.

e$.$

Counting the number of cells within a range that meets a specific condition.