How does a logical error differ from a syntax error?

Prepare for the NOCTI Computer Programming Exam. Enhance your skills with flashcards and multiple choice questions with hints and explanations. Get exam-ready now!

A logical error is a mistake in a program's logic that leads to incorrect results, despite the program running without crashing. This type of error occurs when the code is syntactically correct, meaning that the compiler or interpreter can understand it and execute it. However, the way the code is structured or the commands given do not produce the intended outcome, leading to results that may be misleading or simply wrong.

For example, if a developer intends to calculate the average of a set of numbers but incorrectly sums the numbers or does not divide by the correct total, the program will run, but the output will be erroneous. This highlights the fact that logical errors can occur unnoticed during execution, making them particularly tricky to identify and debug.

In contrast, the other options describe characteristics that do not align with the nature of a logical error. A logical error does not prevent code execution, as it runs properly but yields faulty results. It is also not identifiable during compile-time; typically, syntactical errors are caught at that stage, while logical errors manifest during runtime when the logic is applied. Lastly, logical errors do not inherently affect the structural aspect of the code but rather the intended flow and operations within it.

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