How do you convert an item's type in programming?

Converting an item's type in programming is typically done using type conversion syntax. This process allows a programmer to explicitly change the data type of a variable to another type, facilitating operations that require compatibility between different data formats. For instance, converting an integer to a string or a float to an integer is common practice in programming to ensure data is in the desired format for processing.

Type conversion can be explicit, where you use functions or methods specifically designated for this purpose, such as int(), str(), or float() in languages like Python. This method is essential for maintaining data integrity and ensuring that operations are performed correctly.

The other options do not accurately describe ways to convert an item's type. Changing the variable name does not alter the data type; it merely affects how the variable can be referenced in the code. Deleting the old variable removes it entirely, which does not result in type conversion. Finally, the notion that there is no way to convert types is incorrect, as almost every programming language includes mechanisms for type conversion. Hence, using the type conversion syntax is the correct and standard way to handle data type conversions in programming.