What best describes a runtime error?

A runtime error is accurately described as an error that occurs during program execution. This type of error happens when the program is running and can be caused by various factors such as attempting to divide by zero, accessing an invalid index in an array, or insufficient memory. Unlike syntax errors, which prevent the code from compiling, or logical errors, which yield incorrect results without crashing the program, runtime errors lead to the program crashing or producing unexpected behavior while it is actively running.

Identifying and handling these kinds of errors is crucial for robust software development, as they can occur under specific conditions that may not be apparent until the program is executed. Understanding this distinction is fundamental for debugging and improving code quality.