What is the definition of a variable in programming?

A variable in programming is defined as a storage location that can hold data, which can change during the execution of a program. This is essential because variables allow developers to store data temporarily and manipulate it as needed. For example, if a programmer creates a variable to hold a user's input, that value may change as the user interacts with the program—such as updating a user's score in a game or changing settings.

In contrast, a fixed value that does not change would typically be referred to as a constant, which is a different concept in programming. Additionally, loops are constructs that allow for repeated execution of a block of code, and methods for handling errors are part of error management in programming but do not pertain to the definition of a variable. Therefore, the identification of a variable as a mutable storage location encapsulates its fundamental purpose in programming.