variable
A symbol or name that stands for a value. For example, in the expression
x+y
x and y are variables. Variables can represent numeric values, characters, character strings, or memory addresses.
Variables play an important role in computer programming because they enable programmers to write flexible programs. Rather than entering data directly into a program, a programmer can use variables to represent the data. Then, when the program is executed, the variables are replaced with real data. This makes it possible for the same program to process different sets of data.
Every variable has a name, called the variable name, and a data type. A variable's data type indicates what sort of value the variable represents, such as whether it is an integer, a floating-point number, or a character.
The opposite of a variable is a constant. Constants are values that never change. Because of their inflexibility, constants are used less often than variables in programming.
Featured Partners Sponsored
-
1
private cloud project
Companies initiate private cloud projects to enable their IT infrastructure to become more capable of quickly adapting to continually evolving...
-
2
cloud backup
A cloud backup (cloud computer backup) refers to backing up data to a remote, cloud-based server. As a form of cloud storage, cloud backup data is...
-
-
3
mobile operating system
The mobile operating system is the software platform on top of which other programs, called application programs, can run on mobile devices.
-
4
big data
A catch-phrase, used to describe a massive volume of both structured and unstructured data that is so large that it's difficult to process with...
-
5
enterprise application
An enterprise application is the term used to describe applications -- or software -- that a business would use to assist the organization in...
-
6
private cloud
The phrase used to describe a cloud computing platform that is implemented within the corporate firewall, under the control of the IT department....
-
7
BYOD - bring your own device
A phrase that has become widely adopted to refer to mobile workers bringing their own mobile devices, such as smartphones, laptops and PDAs, into...
-
8
consumerization of IT
Consumerization of IT is a phrase used to describe the cycle of information technology (IT) emerging in the consumer market then spreading to...
-
9
CRM - Customer Relationship Management
Short for customer relationship management, CRM entails all aspects of interaction a company has with its customer, whether it be sales or service...
-
10
ERP - Enterprise Resource Planning
Short for enterprise resource planning, ERP is business management software that allows an organization to use a system of integrated applications...
Connect with Webopedia
-
-
Android Apps for Remote Computer Access
Remote access is useful when you need to collaborate with co-workers, help a friend with PC problems or grab files from your desktop.
