What characterizes an integer in programming compared to a float?

An integer in programming is characterized primarily by its ability to represent counted values. This means integers are typically used to count discrete items, such as the number of users in a system, the quantity of objects in a collection, or other whole units that do not require fractions or decimal points.

Integers are exact representations of whole numbers, which makes them ideal for scenarios where precision in counting is critical. For example, if you need to loop through a collection a specific number of times or keep track of how many items are in stock, integers provide the appropriate data type to handle such tasks without dealing with the complexities or inaccuracies that might arise from using decimal values.

In contrast, floats are designed to represent real numbers that can include fractions and decimal points, making them suitable for measured values rather than counted values. This distinction is a fundamental aspect of how different data types serve specific purposes in programming. Other options, like being able to represent decimal points or being unable to be negative, do not align with the defining characteristics of integers, as integers can indeed be negative and do not support decimal values at all.