What does the term 'variable' refer to in programming?

In programming, the term 'variable' refers to a storage location identified by a name that can hold changing data. This definition is central to understanding how programming works, as variables are fundamental to managing and manipulating data within a program. They allow developers to store values, such as numbers, strings, or objects, that may change as the program executes. This flexibility is crucial because it enables a program to respond to user input, compute results dynamically, and maintain state throughout its lifetime.

By using variables, programmers can assign, update, and retrieve values as needed, making their code more adaptable and reusable. Unlike fixed values, which remain constant and cannot be altered once defined, variables act as placeholders for data that can be modified throughout the program's execution.

The nature of variables also allows for better organization of code and enhances readability, as meaningful names can be assigned to these storage locations, indicating the type of data they hold or their purpose in the program. This makes it easier for developers to understand the logic of the code.