What does a variable in programming represent?

A variable in programming represents a symbol that is used to store data values. This storage allows programmers to label data with a descriptive name, making the code more readable and maintainable. Variables enable developers to store information that can be referenced and manipulated throughout the program.

For example, if you have a variable named "age" that stores the value 25, you can easily use this variable in calculations, output it to the console, or change its value later in the code. This flexibility is essential for dynamic coding, where data can change often based on user input or program logic.

The other options address different concepts within programming. A constant value refers to fixed data that cannot change, a function is a block of code designed to perform a particular task, and a module is a packaging of code that can include functions, classes, or variables to improve organization and reusability. These concepts do not encapsulate what a variable does in programming.