How does the DispatcherServlet component function in the process of handling HTTP requests in Spring MVC?

DispatcherServlet in Spring MVC is the central component that receives all incoming HTTP requests and directs them to the appropriate handlers (controllers).

Main steps:

1. Receives the HTTP request.
2. Uses HandlerMapping to determine which controller should handle the request.
3. Passes control to that controller.
4. The controller processes the request and returns a model and view name.
5. DispatcherServlet calls ViewResolver to select the appropriate view.
6. The view is rendered and the result is sent back to the client.

Thus, DispatcherServlet coordinates the entire request processing, ensuring separation of concerns and flexibility.