What is the main purpose of a variable in programming?

The main purpose of a variable in programming is to store and manipulate data values. Variables serve as containers that hold information which can be used and modified throughout a program. By assigning values to variables, programmers can manage data dynamically, allowing their programs to perform calculations, make decisions, and manage the flow of information.

In essence, variables provide a way to reference data by names rather than values directly, making code more readable and maintainable. The ability to manipulate the data stored within these variables during the execution of a program is crucial for creating flexible and interactive applications.