What term describes the characteristic of a number that determines its kind, range, and application in C++?

The correct term that describes the characteristic of a number which determines its kind, range, and application in C++ is "Type." In programming, particularly in C++, a type defines how a piece of data can be used, including its size, the kind of values it can hold, and the operations that can be performed on it.

For example, C++ has several built-in types such as int for integers, float for floating-point numbers, and char for characters. Each of these types has specific characteristics, such as the range of values they can represent and the operations that can be performed on them. Understanding types is crucial in C++ as it helps the compiler enforce rules regarding how data is manipulated and ensures type safety, meaning that operations on incompatible types can be avoided.

The other terms, while related to programming, do not accurately capture the holistic definition provided in the question. "Value" refers to the actual data stored within a variable of a specific type and is not indicative of the type itself. "Range" pertains to the set of allowable values that a particular type can take but does not encompass the full definition of what a type is. "Category" is a broader term that could fit various contexts but lacks the precision that "Type"