abstract syntax tree

An abstract syntax tree (AST) is a structured, tree-like representation of the structure of source code or expressions. It breaks down complex code into its core components—such as operators, variables, and functions—organized hierarchically to reflect their relationships. This visualization helps computers understand and analyze code more efficiently by focusing on its logical structure rather than the exact text. Think of it as a blueprint that captures the essence of a program’s syntax, enabling tasks like compiling, interpreting, or analyzing code to be performed more systematically.