What is a characteristic of programming syntax?

Programming syntax refers to the set of rules and guidelines that define how code must be written in a programming language. This includes the correct use of punctuation, keywords, and the overall structure of statements and expressions. A key characteristic of programming syntax is that it governs how code needs to be structured in order for the compiler or interpreter to understand and execute it correctly.

If the syntax is not followed precisely, the code will throw errors or fail to run as intended. This is essential for both the readability of the code and the ability of the programming environment to process the instructions given by the programmer. A well-defined syntax helps maintain consistency and best practices in coding, which is crucial for collaborative and long-term software development.