Which term refers to ensuring code adheres to proper syntax rules before execution?

• A. Debugging
• B. Syntax
• C. Dry-run
• D. Overflow

Answer: (B)

Focusing on syntax means checking that code follows the exact rules of the programming language before it runs. Syntax is the set of rules for how statements, punctuation, and structure must be written so a compiler or interpreter can understand them. When code matches the syntax, it can be parsed correctly and prepared for execution. If there are syntax errors, the program stops at parse time, preventing any execution. Debugging deals with fixing problems after errors are found, dry-run is testing behavior without making changes, and overflow is about a value exceeding storage limits at runtime. So the best fit for pre-execution syntax checking is syntax.