The term that best describes an error occurring when the code is syntactically correct but fails to achieve its intended purpose is a semantic error. Semantic errors arise from incorrect logic or misunderstanding of how a particular piece of code or algorithm should function.
In programming, semantic correctness refers to whether the code behaves as intended in terms of functionality, even if it is properly structured according to the rules of the language. This can manifest in a variety of forms, such as using the wrong operator, failing to follow the appropriate steps in an algorithm, or misunderstanding the requirements of a problem.
The fact that the code runs without syntax errors may lead a programmer to believe it is correct, but if it does not produce the desired outcome or behaves unexpectedly, it’s classified as a semantic error. Understanding this distinction is essential, as it influences the debugging process and helps identify flaws in logic that may not be apparent from examining the code structure alone.