What is the main purpose of the auto-white button on a camera?

The auto-white button on a camera is designed to white balance the camera. White balance is a crucial setting in photography and videography, as it ensures that the colors in an image are accurate and true to life. Different lighting conditions can cause color casts, making subjects appear overly warm (yellow/orange) or cool (blue). By using the auto-white button, the camera analyzes the scene and adjusts its color settings to neutralize any color casts, allowing for a more natural representation of colors. This capability is essential for achieving realistic skin tones and overall color fidelity in various lighting environments.