Variable Help

Hey could someone tell me what variables are for,I never knew and im curious,all this time I have used switches,but what are variables,I would appriciate it alot for help.

Variables is simply something that holds a value. Switches hold values too, they just hold two; on or off. Variables can only hold one value which must be an integer. What makes variables special is that they can be heavily manipulated. You can preform difeernet math functions with a varible. You can decrease/increase/divide/ multply/modulo etc. You can manipulate them with a set number or by another variable. If you want to see this in action I suggest you look at Grafikal009's bank system( http://rmrk.net/index.php/topic,31324.0.html ).
If you are still unsure please post what your ar unsure about or look around for a variable tutorial. I hope I helped.