Arizona State University (ASU) CSE240 Introduction to Programming Languages Midterm Practice Exam

A runtime error is defined as an error that occurs while a program is executing, typically as a result of unforeseen issues such as logical errors in the code. These errors can arise from several situations, such as division by zero, accessing out-of-bounds array elements, or invoking functions incorrectly based on the runtime data. Since these issues only manifest during the execution of the program, they are not caught at the compile-time phase, where syntax errors are typically identified.

In this context, the other options do not accurately depict what constitutes a runtime error. For instance, a syntax mistake, as indicated in the first option, would lead to a compilation error, not a runtime error. The third option misrepresents the timing of error detection since runtime errors are not identified until the program is actually run. Lastly, the fourth option incorrectly characterizes runtime errors as unrelated to performance; in reality, runtime errors can severely affect program behavior, often causing crashes or unexpected performance degradation. Thus, recognizing that runtime errors stem from logical issues that occur during program execution is crucial for effective programming and debugging.