What is the process called when changing from one data type to another?

The process of changing from one data type to another is commonly referred to as "casting." In programming, casting allows a variable of one data type to be treated as another data type. This is especially useful when performing operations that require variables to be of the same type, or when you want to explicitly convert a data type for a specific purpose, such as converting a floating-point number to an integer for a calculation.

Casting enables programmers to control how data is handled, making it a crucial concept for ensuring that data behaves as expected in different contexts, such as arithmetic operations, comparisons, and function calls. This term is widely used across various programming languages, and understanding casting is fundamental for managing types effectively and avoiding potential data-related errors.

The other options do not specifically denote the process of converting data types in this exact manner. For instance, while "converting" might seem related, it is a broader term that can refer to various types of changes in data representation or structures, not just those involving type changes. "Transferring" typically refers to moving data from one place to another, and "transforming" generally signifies altering the form or structure of data without necessarily involving changing types, thus not accurately describing the specific action of type conversion.