What is a literal in programming?

A literal in programming refers to fixed values that are explicitly written in the code, such as numbers, strings, or boolean values. For instance, if you have the number "10" directly used in your code, that's considered a literal. This is important because literals represent constant values that are not intended to change throughout the program's execution, thereby directly impacting how data is processed within the application.

The concept of literals is foundational in programming since they allow developers to convey fixed values without the need for variable assignment or manipulation. Understanding literals is essential for effectively handling data types and writing clear, concise code.