Which type of error is caused by valid syntax that does not fulfill the programmer's intent?

A semantic error occurs when the syntax of the code is valid, meaning that the code can be parsed and compiled without problems, but the logic or meaning behind the code does not achieve the programmer's intended outcome. This type of error is often subtler than syntax errors because the program may run without crashing, yet it produces incorrect results or behaviors. For example, using a logical operator incorrectly or miscalculating a value can lead to semantic errors, even though the code is otherwise free of errors that would prevent it from executing.

Understanding semantic errors is crucial for debugging because they require the programmer to closely analyze the logic and intent behind their code rather than simply checking for correct syntax. In contrast, syntax errors are clear violations of the rules of the programming language, making them easier to identify during compilation or interpretation. Linker errors relate to issues with connecting various pieces of code, and arithmetic errors specifically refer to mistakes in mathematical calculations.