What does a character represent in computing?

In computing, a character is defined as a single alphanumeric symbol, which includes letters, digits, punctuation marks, and other printable or non-printable symbols. This representation is fundamental in programming and data processing, as characters are the building blocks of text. Characters are typically encoded using standards such as ASCII or Unicode, which assign a unique number to each character to enable their storage and manipulation by computers.

The other options refer to different concepts. A programming function is a block of code designed to perform a specific task, while a collection of data points relates to data structures or sets of information, which may include multiple elements rather than a single symbol. A numeric value pertains to numbers specifically and does not encompass the broader category of alphanumeric characters. Thus, identifying a character as a single alphanumeric symbol accurately captures its role and significance in computing.