What is one of the primary uses of integer variables?

Integer variables are primarily used to represent values that are counted. This is because integers are whole numbers without any fractional or decimal components, making them ideal for scenarios where discrete quantities need to be represented. For instance, when counting items like the number of students in a classroom, the number of books on a shelf, or the number of days until an event, integers provide the necessary data type to accurately convey such counts.

In contexts where mathematical operations involving counts are performed, integer variables can effectively be used for additions, subtractions, and comparisons without the complications of decimal precision. This is why integer variables are preferred in programming and data representation when dealing with countable items or entities.