When is a variable destroyed in programming?

A variable is destroyed when execution leaves the scope of the parent element because this marks the end of the variable's lifecycle in that specific context. Variables are bound by their scope, which defines where they can be accessed or used within the code. When the execution exits from this defined scope, typically due to the completion of a function or a block of code, the variable is no longer available, and the resources it was using may be released or marked for garbage collection.

This concept is essential in programming, as it helps manage memory and resource allocation efficiently. It ensures that variables do not remain in memory longer than necessary, potentially causing memory leaks or other issues in an application.