How does a function differ from a variable?

A function is a block of reusable code that performs a specific task, which can be called whenever needed throughout a program. This reusability enhances code efficiency and organization, allowing developers to avoid redundancy. Functions can take inputs (parameters) and return outputs, enabling more complex operations and calculations to be encapsulated within them.

In contrast, a variable acts as a storage location for data that can change during the execution of a program. Variables can hold different types of information, such as numbers, strings, and more, and they serve as a means for programs to store and manipulate state or data over time.

This distinction highlights the fundamental roles of functions and variables in programming: functions encapsulate behavior through reusable code, while variables represent data that may be altered or referenced throughout the program's execution.