In programming, what does an integer represent?

An integer represents a whole number in programming. Whole numbers are those that do not contain any fractional or decimal part, which means they can be positive, negative, or zero. For instance, examples of integers include -3, 0, and 42. This characteristic makes integers an essential data type in programming, especially when performing calculations that require whole numbers, such as counting or indexing elements in an array.

The other potential answers each represent different data types—fractions involve decimal values, boolean values can only be true or false, and dates typically require a more complex structure to encapsulate the day, month, and year. Understanding that integers are specifically for whole numbers allows programmers to differentiate among various data types and choose the appropriate one for their specific needs within a program.