How to solve PHP parse/syntax errors
Tags: beginners, programming, php
Published: 2022-05-19 11:17:08

##Introduction
As a beginning PHP developer, you will encounter an error message from your PHP code, I remember when I kick-started as a PHP developer. When I write code to a certain extent, I'll get an error message, and it 
piece me off. So that is what we are going to bridge here, if you read and study carefully, you'll know several things about syntax error and parsing. So to skip much talk, If you are ready let's get started.

##Prerequisite
The only thing you need for this course is your pen and jotter And pay proper attention.

##What is a parse error?
Parse errors are caused by misuse or missing symbols in a particular line of code. The compiler catches the error and terminates the script.

##What is a syntax error?
If the PHP code contains a syntax error, the PHP parser cannot interpret the code and stops working. For example, a syntax error can be a forgotten quotation mark, a missing semicolon at the end of a line, a missing parenthesis, or extra characters. 
In computer science, a syntax error is an error in the syntax of a sequence of characters or tokens that are intended to be written in a particular programming language. For compiled languages, syntax errors are detected at compile time. A program will not compile until all syntax errors are corrected.

What is the difference between parse error & syntax error
The difference between syntax errors is that parse error happens because of a syntax error. You (the developer) write code that contains a 'syntax error'. When that code is compiled, the compiler tries to parse your code but cannot which results in a parse error. If you are dealing with an interpreted language, (PHP, ASP, etc.)

##What causes parse & syntax error

Parse errors are caused by: Unclosed brackets or quotes. Missing or extra semicolons or parentheses.
A parse error: syntax error, unexpected appears when the PHP interpreter detects a missing element. Most of the time, it is caused by a missing curly bracket "}". To solve this, it will require you to scan the entire file to find the source of the error.
##How to solve parse and syntax error

Solving syntax errors In steps.
- Look at the mentioned code line.
- More regularly you need to look at preceding lines as well.
- Look at the syntax colorization!
- White-space is your friend.
- You can freely add newlines between operators or constants and strings.
- Comment out the offending code.

##Conclusion 
You have come to the end of this tutorial, so as a PHP developer, when an error is thrown on you screen, trace that error, from the line of code. And you'll find out that what causes it is either wrong input of semi-column, curly-brace, Etc..

##About the Author
**Emmanuel C. Okolie** kick-started his journey as a software engineer in 2020. Over the years, he has grown full-blown skills in JavaScript, PHP, HTML & CSS, and more.
He is currently freelancing, building websites for clients, and writing technical tutorials teaching others how to do what he does. Any question drop on the comment box…
**Emmanuel C. Okolie** is open and available to hear from you. You can reach him on [Linked In](https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmanuel-okolie-435588238/), [Google](emmanuelokolie550@gmail.com), [Facebook](https://web.facebook.com/Emmykolic), [GitHub](https:/github.com/emmykolic), [Twitter](https:/twitter.com/emmykolic), or on his [website](https://emmykolic.github.io).