What does syntax highlighting do in a text editor?

Syntax highlighting enhances the readability of source code by displaying it in different colors and fonts based on its grammatical structure. This feature helps programmers quickly identify various elements of their code, such as keywords, variables, operators, and punctuation. By visually distinguishing these elements, syntax highlighting reduces the cognitive load on the developer, making it easier to spot errors and understand the code's structure at a glance.

For instance, often keywords will be shown in a particular color (like blue) while strings may appear in green, and comments could be grayed out to indicate they are not part of the actual executable code. This clarity allows for more efficient coding and debugging, as developers can quickly navigate complex codebases.

The other options do not accurately describe the purpose of syntax highlighting. Adding comments to the code is a separate process that involves writing explanatory text in the code itself. Organizing data structures pertains to how data is format or arranged, which is not related to the visual representation of code syntax. Finally, compiling the code involves translating it from a high-level programming language to machine code, which is a completely distinct function not related to the visual aspect of code editing.