What is the purpose of the CLK pin in the rotary encoder?

What is the purpose of the CLK pin in the rotary encoder? Correct Answer To provide pulse reference

The rotary encoder has a CLK pin and a DATA pin. The DATA pin gives out pulses which vary in phase depending upon the direction of rotation of the rotary encoder. However we cannot determine these variations until we compare the wave pattern with another steady non-variable pulse train. The CLK pin provides exactly that.

Related Questions

Statement (I): The term ‘encoder’ is used for a device that provides an analog output as a result of angular or linear displacement. Statement (II): An increment encoder detects changes in angular or linear displacement from some datum position where as an absolute encoder gives the actual angular or linear position.
What is the purpose of the DATA pin in the rotary encoder?