What is the difference between compile-time and runtime errors?

Compile-time errors occur during the compilation of a program, while runtime errors occur during the execution of a program.

Compile-time errors, also known as syntax errors, are detected by the compiler when it tries to translate the source code into machine code. These errors occur when the syntax of the code does not adhere to the rules of the programming language. For example, if you forget to close a bracket or misspell a keyword, the compiler will not be able to understand the code and will throw a compile-time error. These errors must be fixed before the program can be successfully compiled and run.

On the other hand, runtime errors, also known as exceptions, occur when a program is running. These errors are not detected by the compiler because the syntax of the code is correct. However, they cause the program to terminate unexpectedly because of issues that arise during execution. For example, if your program tries to divide a number by zero or access an out-of-bounds array element, a runtime error will occur. Unlike compile-time errors, runtime errors can sometimes be handled by the program itself using exception handling mechanisms, allowing the program to continue running despite the error.

In summary, the main difference between compile-time and runtime errors lies in when they occur and how they are detected. Compile-time errors are detected by the compiler and prevent the program from being run until they are fixed. Runtime errors, however, occur during the execution of the program and can sometimes be handled by the program itself. Both types of errors are common in programming and understanding them is crucial for effective debugging and error handling.