The term comes from the Greek σύνταξις, and then from the Latin syntaxis which means to order and coordinate .

Syntax Features

When you misspell a word in a text editor, what happens is that you have a syntax error. From that moment, the set of rules that establish when a word is or is not misspelled begins to exercise its function.

If we speak of two or more words, in addition to verifying that each one is written correctly, it is evaluated if there is a relationship between them according to their own function.

So, to say syntax is to refer to the entire compendium of grammatical rules and norms that aim to study the structure of words and expressions.

What is your function?

As we said before, the syntax evaluates the relationship of the words in a phrase or sentence, taking into account the position with respect to others, but also its use by itself. Thanks to this branch of grammar, sentences and other expressions can be classified, since it gives a function and use to each one.

It is the sole function of the syntax, to make sure that the words are in the correct order , that is, that they are well related to their previous and next word, so that they can later have a meaning (semantics), according to the purposes for which they were issued.

Syntax in computing

In the field of computing, the syntax is also used when creating the codes that give rise to the programs. Programs are those that we use on computers, mobile devices, cars, and even household appliances.

When a programmer creates software of any kind he uses one or more programming languages. Like our language, these languages ​​are governed by structuring and other rules. If the person does not adhere to the syntax rules, that is, if he does not use the reserved words of the language or languages ​​used correctly, he will simply not be able to create functional software.

So syntax is very important in computing and is one of the first lessons learned in related university careers.

Syntactic analysis example

• Sentence to analyze: Hurt I would have hit the door with myself if I had.

From the outset, we see that the expression is not understood because the order of the words is not correct. The correct thing is: If he had hit me with the door it would have hurt.

• Sentence to analyze: Poor Alberto lost his father.

We can say that the part about “lost his father” indicates that the word “poor” refers to the emotional state that the loss of his father caused Alberto. In turn, the word “lost”, within that context, indicates that it is not a loss.