Program Semantics
Program semantics is a branch of computer science that studies the meaning of programming languages and programs, focusing on how programs behave during execution rather than just their syntax. It defines formal models to describe program behavior, such as operational semantics (step-by-step execution), denotational semantics (mathematical functions), and axiomatic semantics (logical assertions). This field is crucial for understanding program correctness, optimization, and verification.
Developers should learn program semantics to write more reliable and efficient code, as it provides tools for reasoning about program behavior, debugging complex issues, and ensuring software meets specifications. It is essential in fields like compiler design, formal verification, and safety-critical systems (e.g., aerospace or medical software), where precise understanding of program execution is required to avoid errors.