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

In programming languages, syntax specifically refers to the set of rules that defines the structure and format of statements within that language. This encompasses how symbols, keywords, operators, and other language components can be combined to form valid programming constructs such as expressions, statements, and program blocks. Adhering to these rules is crucial because any deviation can lead to syntax errors, preventing the code from compiling or executing correctly.

Understanding syntax is fundamental to writing code that the compiler or interpreter can understand. For example, the proper placement of parentheses or the correct usage of keywords is governed by the syntax of the language, and following these conventions ensures that programs are both functional and maintainable. In contrast, aspects such as execution speed, functionality provided by libraries, or the available data types pertain to other dimensions of programming languages that do not directly address how code is structured at a syntactic level.