
Types of programming errors are a common situation experienced by programmers when coding. Even so, errors in the program can still be resolved. So, you don’t have to panic and start coding again from scratch.
Eits, before rushing to fix the error, it’s a good idea to identify the types of programming errors. That way, you will be more precise and easier to deal with errors that occur.
7 Types of Programming Errors
There are at least seven types of programming errors that programmers need to understand. Here’s the explanation.
1. Syntax Error
Syntax errors are errors in writing code in a program. This can happen because the programmer entered the wrong number, word, or punctuation mark.
As a result, the format or information cannot be recognized by the computer system. So, the computer cannot understand the meaning of the code.
In every programming language, of course, the correct grammar rules are needed. If this rule is violated, a syntax error will occur. For example you did not enter the brackets on the left side when writing the code print(‘hello’).
You can also end lines of code with a colon instead of a semicolon in the C++ programming language. Then it is certain that the program cannot run because a syntax error appears.

In addition, syntax errors can also occur if the variable and function names used are not valid. For example, the PHP language does not allow the use of variable names starting with numbers.
If you do this, of course a syntax error will appear.
How to solve the syntax error:
- Write commands or code correctly.
- Find the wrong code and replace it with the correct one.
- Perform testing with the help of debugging software.
- Modify input data to correct errors and prevent future errors from occurring.
- Double-check every code entered into the program to avoid errors.
2. Runtime Error
Runtime errors are errors that occur when the running program is lagging or crashes. This type of error does not only occur in programmers, but also ordinary users.
In some cases, you just need to refresh the program or device you are using. However, sometimes it doesn’t work because you need to detect the error that occurred.
Moreover, there are several types of runtime errors that can appear. For example, including logic and encoding errors caused by bugs that have not been fixed in the software development process. Well, to fix this you need to reinstall the corrupted program or operate it in Safe Mode.
Apart from software bugs, runtime errors can also occur due to lack of memory or accidentally performing unauthorized actions. For example, entering foreign characters into a text field.
How to solve runtime errors:
- Restart your computer. This method is most often used to fix any problems, including runtime errors.
- Close other applications. Runtime errors can occur if there are some conflicting applications because they are consuming a lot of memory. So, it’s best to close unnecessary apps.
- Run the application in Safe Mode. You can boot into Safe Mode to run certain programs.
- Update application. Sometimes the error occurs because you are still using an old version of the application. You can fix this by manually downloading the latest version of the application using a browser.
- Reinstall the application. If the program you are using is has been already damage, then you need to reinstall it. However, make sure you have saved the important files needed.
- Run System Restore. The goal is to return the computer to its previous state. This method can fix runtime errors caused by corrupted Windows Registry.
- Reinstall Windows. You can also reinstall Windows. Especially if the runtime error cannot be fix and interferes with the overall performance of Windows.
3. Compilation Error
Compilation error is a type of error that occurs during the process of converting a programming language to another form that is easily readable by the machine.
This process is usually done so that the program can run. Well, generally compilation errors occur in object-oriented programming languages that require a compiler. For example C++ or Java.
The appearance of a compilation error can also be caused by a basic syntax error. This error can occur because the programmer did something that violates the principles of computer language.
On compilation error, the compiler will show a code writing error that the compiler cannot understand. For example, you write a program and certain instructions.
But forget to put a semicolon at the end of the program. Well, when you get a message about the error, you can fix it right away.
How to solve compilation error:
- Make sure you don’t omit the semicolon and don’t use uninitialized variables.
- Whenever an error occurs, try to understand its meaning and find the line where the error occurred.
- With time and your experience, the occurrence of compilation errors can be further minimized.
4. Logical Error
A logical error is an error in the program code that results in incorrect output. The main cause of logical errors is an error in the logic or algorithm.

Unfortunately, the location of the error from this logical error is more difficult to find. Because the debugger sometimes does not give a warning of an error in the program.
Therefore, you need to do a thorough inspection to find out where the error is. Actually, one form of logical error is runtime error. However, logical error does not always cause the program to stop as a whole like runtime error.
How to solve logical errors:
- Before creating a program, make sure you write down the idea, formula, function, or algorithm of the program.
- Check in detail all the requirements before making the program.
- Review the notes that have been made so that you have a better understanding of how the program works. That way, you can find loopholes for errors that appear.
5. Arithmetic Error
Arithmetic error is a type of error that appears when an arithmetic error occurs. Either mathematical algorithm errors or numerical variables.
Generally, this error occurs due to the computer’s inability to complete the calculations you entered. For example, dividing certain numbers by 0. The results of these calculations can cause arithmetic errors.
How to solve arithmetic errors:
- You must understand basic arithmetic operations.
- Try to avoid major errors related to parentheses or wrong order of operations.
- Performs functional text by including zeros or negative numbers.
6. Interface Error
Interface errors occur when there is a mismatch between the software and the hardware interface you are using. This type of error is also known as Caller’s side error.
Interface errors can arise when there is a need to set specific parameters for the API, but the program does not provide them.
Usually this happens when programmers make web application programming. In this case, the error appears due to an incorrect use of the web protocol. If the input received by the program does not match the standard, an interface error will occur.
Well, here are some types of interface errors that programmers need to know.
- Inadequate Functionality. The error has been cause because another part of the system does not perform the expected command.
- Location Functionality. Error caused due to misunderstanding of functional location.
- Misuses of Interface. Errors that occur due to the wrong type and order of parameters and the number of parameters passed.
- Software/Hardware Interfaces. Errors that arise from improper handling of software or hardware.
- How to solve interface errors:
If you have documentation about the error, please forward it to the caller immediately. This method can help you deal with interface errors.
7. Resource Error
Resource errors can occur when the value of the variable entered by the programmer is too wide. This makes the value of the variable exceeds the maximum allowed in programming.

Every computer system already provides a number of resources that are use to run programs. Well, if the program you are running requires more resources, then a resource error can occur.
How to resolve resource errors:
- Using a load testing application. The goal is to check what will happen when the programmer runs the same program at once.
- Try to fix the error early.
Conclusion
If you already know the errors types in programming , the first thing you should do is come up with a solution. The solution can be in the form of problem solving. Logic and patience are the keys.
You need to hone it to be able to solve the problem. Slowly learning diligently will give maximum results later. In the sense of always consistently learning programming from now on.
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