variable

A variable is a symbol or name used to represent a value that can change or vary. Think of it as a container that holds different pieces of information, such as numbers or words, which can be swapped out or updated during a process. Variables are essential in programming and mathematics because they allow us to store, manipulate, and access data dynamically, adapting to different situations or inputs. For example, a variable named "temperature" might hold the current temperature reading, which can change over time or based on conditions.