How is a variable defined in C?

A variable in C is defined as a storage location that is identified by a name and associated with a specific data type. This definition highlights several key aspects of variables in the C programming language.

First, the "storage location" part indicates that a variable occupies a portion of memory where data can be stored. This memory space is allocated when the variable is declared.

Second, each variable has a unique name that allows programmers to reference it in their code, making it easier to handle and manipulate data. This name is chosen by the programmer and must follow specific naming conventions.

Lastly, the association with a "data type" is crucial because it defines what kind of data the variable can hold (such as integers, characters, floating-point numbers, etc.) and determines the operations that can be performed on it. The data type informs the compiler how much memory to allocate for the variable and how to interpret the bits stored in that memory.

Together, these components form the foundation for creating and using variables effectively in C programming, enabling programmers to create dynamic and functional applications.