In programming, which of the following is often used to store data values that may change?

In programming, a variable is a fundamental concept used to store data values that may change during the execution of a program. Unlike constants, which hold fixed values, variables can be assigned new values throughout the program's lifecycle. This flexibility allows developers to perform operations, calculations, and logic based on varying inputs or conditions.

Variables are named storage locations in memory, and by using descriptive names, programmers can enhance the readability and maintainability of their code. For instance, in a program that tracks scores in a game, a variable might be used to represent the player's current score, which can increase or decrease based on game events.

In contrast, constants are intended for values that should not change after they are set, and objects typically represent instances of classes containing both data and methods. Functions are blocks of reusable code that perform specific tasks but do not inherently store data values that change. Therefore, using variables allows for dynamic data manipulation, which is essential in most programming applications.