What is a compilation error?

A compilation error refers to issues that occur when the source code violates syntax rules of the programming language. This means that when the compiler attempts to convert the high-level code written by the programmer into machine code, it encounters problems because the code does not conform to the expected structure or rules. These errors must be resolved before the code can be successfully compiled and executed.

When a programmer writes code, it must adhere to specific syntax, such as proper use of parentheses, semicolons, and correct declarations of variables. If any of these are not followed, the compiler will flag them as errors. Unlike runtime errors, which occur during program execution, compilation errors prevent the code from running altogether, ensuring that only syntactically correct code is compiled.

In contrast to compilation errors, runtime errors happen during the actual execution of the program, while memory leaks are problems related to resource management and are not classified as syntax-related issues. Additionally, variable scope issues may present logic problems but do not trigger compilation errors unless they violate syntax rules directly. Thus, option B accurately captures what defines a compilation error.