What does the term "syntax" refer to in programming?

The term "syntax" in programming refers to the arrangement of elements in a programming language. It encompasses the rules and structure that dictate how code must be written to be correctly understood and executed by a compiler or interpreter. Just as grammar provides a set of rules for sentences in human languages, syntax establishes the legal combinations of symbols, keywords, and constructs in a programming language.

When coding, if the syntax is not followed correctly, the code will produce errors and fail to run as intended. This highlights the importance of understanding and adhering to the syntax specific to the programming language being used, as each language has its own unique set of syntax rules. Mastery of syntax allows a programmer to write clean and effective code that communicates the correct logic and operations to the computer.