What do primitive data types in JavaScript represent?

Primitive data types in JavaScript represent single literal values. These types include undefined, null, boolean, number, string, and symbol. Each of these data types holds a single value, which cannot be broken down into smaller parts. For instance, a number can represent a specific quantity, a string can represent a specific text, and a boolean can represent true or false. These primitive values are immutable, meaning they cannot be altered once created, and they are commonly used for basic operations and control flow in programming.

In contrast, collections of values, such as arrays or objects, can hold multiple values and can be manipulated as a whole. Objects with properties involve a more complex structure that allows you to store related data and functionalities in a single namespace, while functions are blocks of code that can perform specific tasks and can be invoked. Understanding that primitive data types are single literal values is essential for grasping how data is handled within JavaScript.