Which data type is represented by whole numbers that can be positive or negative?

The correct choice is the Integer data type, which is specifically designed to represent whole numbers, encompassing both positive and negative values, as well as zero. This distinction is fundamental in programming and data manipulation, as integers are used for counting, indexing, and performing mathematical operations without fractions or decimal points. Unlike floating-point types, which can represent fractional numbers and are often used for precision in calculations, integers strictly adhere to whole number representation.

Understanding the Integer data type is crucial in various computational applications, such as loops, iterations, and data indexing, where only whole numbers are relevant. This makes integers a foundational component of data types in computer science.

In contrast, the other options do not fit this definition. Floats represent numbers that can contain fractions or decimals. Decimal types are similar to floats and are used for precise decimal representation, often in monetary calculations. Strings are sequences of characters, primarily used for text representation, not numerical quantities.