In the context of programming, what is a variable?

A variable acts as a storage location within a program that holds data values. It allows developers to store, modify, and retrieve information throughout the execution of the code. Variables can change during runtime, which is contrasted with fixed values that remain constant. The ability to assign different values to variables is fundamental to programming, as it enables dynamic data handling and manipulation based on user input, calculations, or other processes within the application.

In programming languages, a variable is typically defined with a name, and it can hold various data types such as integers, strings, or Booleans, depending on the context and requirements of the program. This flexibility is essential for writing efficient and adaptable code, making variables a cornerstone concept in programming practices.