What is the purpose of a light bulb extractor and how does it work?

A light bulb extractor is a tool used to safely remove a light bulb that is stuck or broken in a fixture. It typically consists of a long, slender rod with a gripping mechanism at one end. To use it, the extractor is inserted into the fixture and the gripping mechanism is used to securely grasp the base of the light bulb. By turning the extractor, the bulb can be safely removed without damaging the fixture or risking injury from broken glass.