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

In the context of programming languages, semantics refers to the meaning of statements, expressions, and symbols. This encompasses how these elements of the language are interpreted and what actions they correspond to when the program executes. Understanding semantics is crucial because it defines how the behavior of a program is conveyed through its constructs, influencing everything from variable assignment to control structures like loops and conditionals. In essence, while syntax deals with the structure and form of code, semantics is concerned with the interpretation and execution of that code in a meaningful way, allowing programmers to convey logic and functionality effectively.

The other options do not pertain to semantics. The physical arrangement of data in memory is related to data structure and storage rather than the meaning behind program constructs. The efficiency of algorithms is more about performance and optimization rather than their interpretation. Graphics capabilities pertain to visual representation and user interface aspects, which also do not involve the underlying meanings of programming language elements.