What is the purpose of NUM_RECTANGLES_ACROSS in the blinking rectangles challenge?

The purpose of NUM_RECTANGLES_ACROSS in the blinking rectangles challenge is to determine how many rectangles are drawn horizontally across the display. This variable directly affects the layout of the rectangles on the screen, allowing the programmer to specify how many rectangles should be arranged side by side. By adjusting this value, the visual output can be customized to fit the desired aesthetics or functional requirements of the animation.

Understanding this concept is essential because it helps in visualizing how multiple objects can be manipulated and displayed dynamically in an animation or game setting. The arrangement and quantity of graphical elements can influence the overall user experience and effectiveness of the animation.