What is the purpose of variables in programming?

The purpose of variables in programming is to store data values. Variables act as named storage locations in a program, allowing developers to hold data that can be referenced and manipulated throughout the code. By using variables, programmers can work with dynamic data and improve code readability. They can store different types of data, such as numbers, strings, or objects, and assign new values as the program runs, which is essential for tasks like calculations, data processing, and maintaining state in applications.

While loops, functions, and memory management are important aspects of programming, they do not specifically refer to the primary role of variables, which is to hold and manage data values directly. Understanding how to use variables effectively is fundamental to programming, making it easier to write flexible and maintainable code.