Static Semantics meaning?

Question

What does term "static semantics" mean in programming?

What is relationship between static semantics, semantics and dynamic semantics?

I know that semantics stands for checking if written code (without syntax errors) has any meaning.

Solution 1

Semantics is about meaning. It includes:

• the static semantics, which is the part that can be ascertained at compile time, including data typing, whether all variables are declared, which declaration applies to which variable in the case of scoping, what their type is, whether functions and methods are called with correct calling sequences, whether assignments are type-compatible, etc., and

• dynamic semantics, which is what actually happens when the program is executed.

Source: Frank de Remer, Compiler Construction course, University of California, Santz Cruz, 1979.

Solution 2

Static properties of a program are those that the compiler can detect at compile time.

Only Static Semantic errors can be detected by the compiler at compile time.

Dynamic Semantic errors can only be detected upon execution, not by the compiler prior to execution.

Comments

[luka032]

Great response! Thanks.

[user207421]

It means nothing of the sort. Grammar rules are about syntax, not semantics. Don't post guesswork here.