syntax

The structure of valid strings in a given language, as described by a grammar. For example, the syntax of a binary number could be expressed as

	binary_number = bit [ binary_number ]

	bit = "0" | "1"

meaning that a binary number is a bit optionally followed by a binary number and a bit is a literal zero or one digit.

The meaning of the language is given by its semantics.

See also abstract syntax, concrete syntax.