What is a variable in programming? Choose the best definition and example.

What is a variable in programming? Choose the best definition and example.

• A. A constant value stored in code
• B. A memory location used to store data
• C. A memory location that holds a value for use in a program
• D. A storage location with a name that holds a value; example in Python: age = 12

Answer: (D)

A variable is a named container in memory that holds a value you can read and change as a program runs. The name lets you refer to that storage location, and the value is what’s stored there. The example age = 12 shows this clearly: the name is age, it stores the value 12, and you can later assign a new value (e.g., age = 20) to update it. This combination—a name, a storage location, and a value that can be changed—is what makes something a variable. A constant would be a fixed value that doesn’t change, which is why the other descriptions don’t fit as well.

A variable is a named container in memory that holds a value you can read and change as a program runs. The name lets you refer to that storage location, and the value is what’s stored there. The example age = 12 shows this clearly: the name is age, it stores the value 12, and you can later assign a new value (e.g., age = 20) to update it. This combination—a name, a storage location, and a value that can be changed—is what makes something a variable. A constant would be a fixed value that doesn’t change, which is why the other descriptions don’t fit as well.