Syntax

Syntax is the branch of science that is concerned with the order of any written statement. Just as there is a certain sequence of elements in sentences in linguistics, the same applies to programming languages. If our spoken languages didn't have syntax, everyone would construct word order and sentence structure according to their own rules and meaning would be distorted. 

Syntax, or in English terms, syntax, in programming languages defines what various symbol combinations mean. It determines the rules of the programming language used. Keywords and symbols are also defined by Syntax.

Each programming language has its own Syntax and command language. There are certain sequencing rules and it is necessary to know these rules well. These rules and commands make everything more understandable and interpretable. The codes written are sequentially and effectively completed. In other words, Syntax enables the program to tell exactly what is intended to be explained and when which code will run. 

Syntax Error

Syntax Error, a common situation encountered during programming, is a string error made in syntax. It is a warning message encountered due to a mistake made in syntax. For example; leaving the command open, forgetting the cutting mark in the code, incorrectly placed or used symbols within the code string cause Syntax Error warnings.

Syntax Highlighter

The easiest way to fix errors when encountered with Syntax Error is to use a code editor with Syntax Highlighter feature. Syntax Highlighter is a text editor that colorizes strings and source codes. It is quite difficult to search for errors in projects consisting of countless characters and code lines. In such situations, using Syntax Highlighter, one code can be easily distinguished from the other. While doing this, it displays writings in the same category in the same way. Warnings are easily distinguished thanks to Syntax Highlighter and the chance of mistake is minimized. 

Why is Syntax Important in Programming?

In order to specialize in a programming language, it is necessary to understand syntax. Writing code according to these rules makes the code readable and understandable. Syntax brings clarity to the codes. It clearly defines the purpose of the code. It ensures that the codes are consistent. This makes it easier to understand the code. Thanks to Syntax, codes are descriptive and eliminates ambiguity. Especially in open source projects, it makes it easier to organize, interpret and develop the codes. 

• Using the correct syntax makes it easier to read and understand the codes.
• It ensures the codes work flawlessly and properly.
• Using Syntax reduces errors made when writing code and saves time.

Programming Languages and Syntax

There are rules and restrictions in programming languages that make code meaningful. These are called Syntax. JavaScript Syntax is a term that expresses JavaScript's code writing rules. Perl Syntax expresses Perl's code writing rules. Each language has different Syntax. While Java, C++ and Python are case-sensitive, SQL is case-insensitive. Code comments in Python are shown with "#", while in Java and C++ they are shown with "//". 

Python Syntax

Python Syntax expresses Python's code writing rules. In Python, the name of the variable cannot start with a number. If one tries to write a variable starting with a number, the code editor sends a Syntax Error, in other words, a error notification, if indentations are not made inside the for loop in code segments such as if and for. Indentations are an important topic in Python. Going to a new line in Python implies that the code line is finished.

JavaScript Syntax

Like every programming language, JavaScript has its own code writing rules, i.e., Syntax. JavaScript's Syntax is similar to most Java programs, Perl and Python. In JavaScript, all variables start with letters, underscores, and dollar signs. Numbers and other characters are used after letters, underscores, and dollar signs. In JavaScript, two variables referred to by the same name but one in upper case and the other in lower case are considered different because JavaScript is case sensitive. If the coding starts with a single quote, it must end with a single quote. Spaces, line spacing and tab characters are ignored in JavaScript. In JavaScript, variable name cannot be created from reserved words such as abstract, arguments, boolean, break, case, and byte.

How to Learn Syntax?

The first step in learning a programming language is to understand its expression structure and syntax. Learning and remembering the Syntax of any language may seem daunting at first because they contain many small details. However, you can overcome this with a lot of practice. By participating in the Bootcamps we organize at Coderspace, you can learn the basics of programming and the rules of syntax.