What distinguishes syntax errors from logic errors?

The distinction between syntax errors and logic errors fundamentally lies in how they manifest and the nature of their effects on a program. Syntax errors arise from violations of the rules of the programming language, affecting the structure and grammar of the code. These errors prevent a program from compiling or running because the code is not written correctly; the compiler or interpreter can easily identify such mistakes.

On the other hand, logic errors occur when the program runs without any syntax issues but produces incorrect or unintended results. This suggests that while the code is syntactically correct and complies with the language’s rules, the underlying logic or algorithm employed in the code is flawed. In this case, the program might execute without crashing, but it does not fulfill the intended task or produces unexpected outcomes.

Therefore, the correct answer highlights that syntax errors stem from improper coding structure, while logic errors relate to the correctness of the program's functionality and output. Understanding this distinction is pivotal in programming, as it aids in debugging and improving code quality effectively.