What type of error occurs when the code violates the programming language's rules?

The correct answer is syntax error because this type of error arises when the code is written in a way that does not conform to the rules and grammar of the programming language being used. Syntax errors typically occur when there are mistakes in the structure of code, such as missing punctuation, incorrect variable declarations, or improperly formed statements. These errors are identified by the compiler or interpreter during the coding process, and as a result, the code cannot be executed until they have been resolved.

A compilation error can sometimes refer to issues found during the compilation phase, often caused by syntax errors, but it is typically a broader category that encompasses other types of errors that occur when converting code into an executable format. Runtime errors occur when a program is syntactically correct but encounters issues during execution, such as trying to divide by zero or accessing an invalid index in an array. Logic errors occur when the code runs without any syntactical mistakes but does not produce the expected results due to flaws in the program's logic.

Thus, identifying a syntax error specifically points to issues with the adherence to the language’s rules, making it the most accurate choice in this instance.