Western Governors University (WGU) ICSC2211 D684 Introduction to Computer Science Practice Test

The primary challenge associated with syntax errors is that they can prevent a program from being compiled. Syntax errors occur when the code violates the rules of the programming language's grammar, such as a missing semicolon, unmatched parentheses, or incorrect use of keywords. Because these errors hinder the compiler from successfully translating the source code into an executable format, the program cannot run until the errors are rectified. This makes identifying and fixing syntax errors a critical part of the development process, as the program is essentially 'stuck' until these issues are resolved.

The other options present misconceptions about syntax errors. For instance, while execution errors may reveal issues during runtime, syntax errors must be addressed during the compilation phase. Syntax errors are not exclusive to high-level programming languages, as they can occur in any language that has specific grammatical rules. Lastly, syntax errors do not inherently lead to memory leaks, which are typically associated with logical errors or resource management issues in code execution. Consequently, the compounding effect of syntax errors lies in their ability to halt the compilation process entirely, underscoring why option A aptly captures the main challenge.