What is a variable in programming?

A variable in programming is primarily understood as a symbolic name associated with a value that can change. This concept allows programmers to store data in a way that the program can reference and manipulate it throughout its execution. The ability to change the value of a variable is crucial for dynamic programming, where the data being processed can vary based on user input or other factors during the program's runtime.

For instance, if you declare a variable named "score," you can change its value as the game progresses, reflecting the player's current score. This flexibility is key to creating effective algorithms and controlling the flow of a program.

The other options do not accurately represent the definition of a variable. While some references to symbolic names and data structures are related to programming concepts, they do not encapsulate the essential characteristic of a variable being mutable. Understanding the dynamic nature of variables is foundational for grasping broader programming principles.