Advanced Placement (AP) Computer Science

In programming, what benefits can script variables provide?

1. They can only hold numeric values.

2. They can symbolically represent data types.

3. They can make the code longer.

4. They are primarily used for comments.

The correct answer is: They can symbolically represent data types.

Script variables symbolize the representation of data aspects in programming. They serve as a way to give meaningful identifiers to pieces of data, which enhances code readability and maintainability. By using descriptive variable names, programmers can convey what the data represents without needing to know the exact numeric values or data types at a glance. This ability to use names that represent meaning is crucial for understanding and collaborating on code, especially in larger projects where many individuals might be involved. In contrast, the other choices highlight misconceptions about variables. For instance, while it's true that variables can store numeric values, they are not limited to this data type; they can also hold strings, booleans, and other complex data types. Variables do not inherently make the code longer; rather, they often make it more concise and understandable. Additionally, despite the usefulness of comments in code for documentation purposes, script variables are intended for storing data, not primarily for comments.