What is the purpose of the toilet lever and how does it function in the flushing mechanism of a toilet?

The purpose of the toilet lever is to initiate the flushing process in a toilet. When the lever is pushed or pulled, it lifts the flapper or flush valve in the tank, allowing water to flow from the tank into the bowl. This sudden rush of water creates a siphon effect, pulling waste and water from the bowl into the drain pipe, effectively flushing the toilet.