Expression (programming)

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An expression in a programming language is a combination of values, variables, operators, and functions that are interpreted (evaluated) according to the particular rules of precedence and of association for a particular programming language, which computes and then produces (returns, in a stateful environment) another value. The expression is said to evaluate to that value. As in math, the expression is (or can be said to have) its evaluated value; the expression is a representation of that value. So, in mathematics, an expression is a representation of a value.

Expressions may or may not have side effects. An expression with side effects does not normally have the property of referential transparency.

[edit] See also

• Statement (programming) (contrast)
• Boolean expression
• Expression (mathematics)
• evaluation strategy