How do syntax and semantics differ in programming languages?

In programming languages, syntax and semantics serve distinct functions that are essential for understanding how code is constructed and interpreted. Syntax pertains to the set of rules that define the structure and form of code. It dictates how various symbols, keywords, and statements should be arranged to convey instructions to the computer. For example, correct usage of punctuation, indentation, and arrangement of commands constitutes the syntax of a programming language.

Semantics, on the other hand, is concerned with the meaning behind those syntactically correct structures. While the syntax determines how the code looks and is formatted, semantics determines what that correctly structured code actually does when executed. For instance, a semantically correct piece of code will carry out a specific function or operation as intended, while a syntactically correct code could still fail to produce a meaningful action if the logic is flawed.

This distinction is crucial because one can have perfectly structured syntax that does not execute correctly due to semantic errors. Understanding these two concepts helps programmers write code that not only adheres to language rules but also performs the desired outcomes effectively. Therefore, recognizing that syntax is about structure and semantics about meaning clarifies their roles in programming languages.