The variable's information is kept in a section of the computer's memory which was assigned it by the program. Two common uses of variables are manipulation and decision making. Integer A whole number, positive, negative or zero. Integers can take different ranges of values depending on the language implementation. All languages can do addition, subtraction, multiplication on integers, as well as division with proper whole number rounding or truncation of the fractional portion of the number.
Some languages can do other, more complex types of aritmetic on integers.
A small variable intended to hold a single letter, digit, space or punctuation. Some languages have no special Character variable, but implement them instead as a text string one character long. String, Text string. A variable intended to hold text, such as the sentence you're now reading, or a person's name or a filename. Strings can be lengthened, shortened, pruned of leading or trailing spaces, capitalized, or anything else the programmer can write instructions to do.