What term describes the classification of different kinds of values that a variable can hold?

The term that describes the classification of different kinds of values that a variable can hold is "data type." A data type delineates the specific kind of data that can be stored in a variable, providing information on what operations can be performed with that data, how much space it occupies in memory, and what kind of values it can represent. Common data types include integers, floating-point numbers, characters, and strings, among others.

Understanding data types is crucial in programming and software design, as it impacts how data is handled and manipulated within an application. For example, using an integer data type indicates that the variable will only hold whole numbers, while a string data type is used for sequences of characters, allowing for text manipulation.

Other terms like data format, data structure, and data model are related concepts but do not specifically refer to the classification of values. Data format pertains to the representation of data (such as file types), data structure relates to how data is organized (like arrays or lists), and data model involves the abstract representation of data relationships and rules. These distinctions help clarify why "data type" is the most accurate term for describing the classification of values that a variable can hold.