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syntax error, unexpected variable “$task”, expecting “)”

Description

In a function, method or closure signature, each parameter must be separated from the next one by a comma. Here, the comma between $name and $task is missing, so once PHP has parsed $name as a complete, typed parameter, it expects either another comma or the closing parenthesis of the argument list; instead it finds another variable, $task.

This is the generic “unexpected variable, expecting )” message, reported here with the concrete variable name found in the offending code, $task.

Example

<?php

function schedule(string $name $task) {}

?>

Alternatives

  • Add the missing comma between the two parameters.
  • Remove the extra variable if it was left over from editing.

Changed Behavior

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