In computing, the syntax of a command refers to the rules by which the command should be executed so that a software program can understand it.

For example, the syntax of a command can determine how case-sensitive a command is and what options are available to make the command behave in different ways.

Without proper syntax, the words and other characters that make up the command are not strung together in a logical order. What results in bad syntax is the inability of the syntax reader to understand what is being conveyed.

To better understand computer syntax, you can compare it to English, German, Spanish, or any other language.