What happens when a compiler finds a syntax error in a program?

When a compiler encounters a syntax error in a program, it is unable to compile the entire code successfully. In this context, the correct choice highlights that the compiler continues processing the code during its analysis, but ultimately it will not generate a Java class file. This is because a syntax error indicates that the code does not adhere to the defined rules of the programming language, making it impossible for the compiler to produce an executable file.

The compiler commonly generates error messages detailing the nature of the syntax error, allowing the programmer to identify where corrections are needed. The key aspect of this process is that while the compiler makes an attempt to analyze the entire program, the presence of syntax errors blocks the successful creation of the output file necessary for running the program.

In contrast to the other options, the compiler does not simply stop with no output, nor does it automatically correct errors or ignore them while producing successful output. Each of these other scenarios does not align with how compilers typically handle syntax errors.