syntax error, unexpected identifier “%s”

Description

This error appears when two identifiers are following each other. This is usually rooted in a missing keyword or character.

Named structures usually start with a keyword, such as class, interface, function, etc.

In a function call, a missing opening parenthesis brings the named parameter and the function name together.

The error also appears when new lines are used inside a namespace. This was valid until PHP 8.0, but is not anymore.

Example

<?php

// missing keyword: class, or interface
A extends B {}

// missing opening parenthesis
foo name:1);

// new lines in namespace
echo \A
      B\
      C;

?>

Literal Examples

• syntax error, unexpected identifier “A”

Solutions

• Add the missing keyword before the identifier.

• Add a missing opening parenthesis to the function call.

Changed Behavior

This error may appear following an evolution in behavior, in previous versions. See MultilineQualifiedName.