syntax error, unexpected token “->”

Description

This error reports that the object syntax was not expected there.

One classic reason is the new syntax in PHP 8.4, where parenthesis are not necessary, right after a new, to call properties or methods. This syntax actually requires the parenthesis.

Another situation arise when a space is inserted between the ? and the -> operator. The space let PHP believe that a ternary operator is started, yet the -> must be applied to an object.

Example

<?php

// should be new X()->method();
new X->method();

// wrongly build null object operator
echo $obj ?
    -> foo;

?>

Alternatives

• Add the parenthesis on the new call.
• Write the ?-> without spaces.

Related error messages

• syntax-error,-unexpected-token-“?->”