Explanation
Correct answer: D.
Choice D is the best answer. The convention being tested is the use of punctuation within a sentence. This choice correctly uses a comma to separate the supplementary adverb “however” from the preceding main clause (“Compiling...languages”) and uses a semicolon to join the next main clause (“any...tool”) to the rest of the sentence. Further, placing the semicolon after “however” indicates that the information in the preceding main clause (“compiling isn’t exclusive to certain programming languages”) is contrary to what might be assumed from the information in the previous sentence (Scala’s status as a compiled programming language might suggest that compiling is unique to certain languages).
Why the other choices are wrong
Choice A
Choice A is incorrect because placing a period after “languages” and starting a new sentence with “however” illogically indicates that the information in the next sentence (any language can incorporate a compiler) is contrary to the information in the previous sentence (“compiling isn’t exclusive to certain programming languages”). Instead, the information following “however” supports the previous claim.
Choice B
Choice B is incorrect because placing the semicolon after “languages” illogically indicates that the information in the next main clause (any language can incorporate a compiler) is contrary to the information in the previous clause (“compiling isn’t exclusive to certain programming languages”). Instead, the information following “however” supports the previous claim.
Choice C
Choice C is incorrect because it results in a comma splice. Commas can’t be used in this way to punctuate a supplementary word or phrase between two main clauses.