Definition: The word "q.v." in the context of software development refers to the variable used for data or other information that needs to be changed throughout a program or module. In software engineering, the use of variables allows developers to easily reference different parts of code without having to remember their values or access them in multiple places. By changing the value of one variable before using it again elsewhere in the program, developers can save time and improve code readability by minimizing repetitive changes. For example, consider a class that needs to hold a list of integers. The constructor may require the user to specify a value for an integer variable "myInt," but you could instead define the integer as a variable within your class and then call a function to initialize it: ```python class MyClass: def __init__(self, myInt): self.myInt = myInt def getMyInt(self): return self.myInt ``` In this example, "myInt" is a variable that can be changed inside the class or any of its methods. By using the `__init__` method to initialize an integer value within the class, you avoid having to reference it again elsewhere in the code. Using variables like this throughout your program helps improve readability and reduces repetition, making it easier for other developers to understand and maintain your code.

q.v