Words or names defined by the programmer are called __________.

When diving into the world of computer programming, one of the first steps is familiarizing yourself with the terminology used to describe different aspects of the coding process. Terms like 'syntax', 'runtime', and 'compilers' are part of the basic vocabulary, but it's the concept of 'variables' that often comes front and center.

Understanding programming terminology is crucial because it allows developers to communicate effectively about the structure and functions of their code. For beginners, mastering this vocabulary provides a clearer path for learning and troubleshooting, and for experienced programmers, it ensures precision when refining and optimizing their work. Likewise, comprehending terms like 'functions', 'loops', 'conditionals', and 'classes' opens up the intricacies of programming logic and object-oriented principles.

Variables are the backbone of any programming language. Simply put, a variable is a storage location in a computer's memory that holds data. It is labelled with a name, which developers use to refer to this data within their code. Think of a variable as a box where you can store things; the label on the box helps you track what's inside.

For instance, if a program needs to store a user's age, a variable named 'userAge' might be used. Variables can contain various types of data, including numbers, text (known as strings), lists, and even more complex structures like objects (related data bundled together with functions). The ability to update the information stored in a variable is what makes software dynamic and responsive.

Programming languages are tools that enable humans to give instructions to computers. They are composed of a series of concepts that govern how these instructions are structured and understood. Variables, as we've discussed, are one such concept. Others include:

• Data Types: They define the kind of data that can be stored and manipulated within a program, such as integers, floating-point numbers, characters, and booleans.
• Control Structures: These include conditional statements ('if/else') and loops ('for', 'while'), which guide the flow of execution in a program.
• Functions and Procedures: These are blocks of code designed to perform a specific task, enhancing reusability and organization.
• Class and Objects: Central to object-oriented programming, these encapsulate data and the methods that operate on the data.

Each programming language has its syntax and semantics, which dictate how expressions and statements are written and what they mean. Understanding these concepts is essential for learning any programming language and for developing effective and efficient code.