What is the term used to describe a dictionary of a programming language?

• A. Lexis
• B. Semantics
• C. Syntax
• D. Grammar

Answer: (A)

The term that accurately describes a dictionary of a programming language is often "lexicon" or "lexis." In the context of programming languages, this encompasses the set of identifiers, keywords, and symbols used in the language. A lexis provides a foundational vocabulary that programmers use to write code and communicate with the computer in a structured manner.

In contrast, semantics refers to the meaning or behavior of the constructs in a programming language, focusing on what expressions and statements do when executed. Syntax involves the set of rules that define the structure of valid statements in a programming language, essentially governing how symbols can be combined. Grammar encapsulates broader rules about language structure, which includes both syntax and semantics and is concerned more with the formal language as a whole.

Understanding these distinctions helps clarify why lexis is the term that fits the definition of a dictionary within the programming context, emphasizing vocabulary rather than structural rules or meanings.