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Syntax defines the rules and regulations that
help write any statement in a programming
language, while semantics refers to the
meaning of the associated line of code in the
programming language. Read this article to
learn more about syntax and semantics
and how they are different from each other.
What is Syntax?
In a programming language, Syntax defines
the rules that govern the structure and
arrangement of keywords, symbols, and
other elements. Syntax doesn't have any
relationship with the meaning of the
statement; it is only associated with the
grammar and structure of the programming
language.
A line of code is syntactically valid and correct
if it follows all the rules of syntax. Syntax
does not have to do anything with the
meaning of the statement. Syntax errors are
encountered after the program has been
executed.
Some examples of syntax errors include
missing semicolons in C++, undeclared
variables in Java, although such errors are
easy to catch.
What is Semantics?
Semantics refers to the meaning of the
associated line of code and how they are
executed in a programming language. Hence,
semantics helps interpret what function the
line of code/program is performing.
Semantic errors are encountered and handled
during runtime of the program execution. If
there is any semantic error and even when
the statement has correct syntax, it wouldn't
perform the function that was intended for it
to do. Thus, such errors are difficult to catch.
Now, let us discuss the differences between
syntax and semantics in detail.
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Difference between Syntax and
Semantics
The following table highlights all the
significant differences between syntax and
semantics −
S.No. Syntax Semantics
Semantics is
Syntax is one
one that refers
that defines the
to the
rules and
meaning of
regulations that
1. the associated
helps to write
line of code in
any statement in
a
a programming
programming
language.
language.
Syntax does not
have any Semantics
2. relationship with tells about the
the meaning of meaning.
the statement.
Syntax errors
are encountered They are
3. after the encountered
program has at runtime.
been executed
Semantics
Syntax errors
errors are
4. are easy to
difficult to
catch.
catch.
Conclusion
To conclude, syntax deals with the grammar
and structure of a code, while semantics tells
the system about the meaning of the code
and how it is supposed to be executed in a
programming language.
Kiran Kumar
Panigrahi
Updated on: 22-Feb-2023
18K+ Views
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