What are keywords in programming?

Keywords in programming are predefined reserved words recognized by the compiler. These words have special meaning in the programming language and cannot be used for any other purpose, such as naming variables or functions. They form the fundamental building blocks of the code structure and dictate the flow of control within the program.

For example, in most languages, keywords like "if", "else", "while", "return", and "class" are used to define control structures, data types, and other core elements of the language. Understanding keywords is essential for grasping how to write correct and efficient programs, as they dictate the rules and syntax that govern how programming statements are constructed and executed.

The other choices relate to different aspects of programming but do not accurately define what keywords are. Variable names can be created by users and are not predefined. Values assigned to operators refer to the data that those operators manipulate, and comments are used for documentation and do not affect code execution.