When you want to make some changes to your WordPress website then it is common to take help from a technical blog, tutorial, etc. And when you pick a piece of code from somewhere or try the demonstrated thing on your website then at times it displays an error message ‘Syntax Error, Unexpected………..path…….’. This means that a syntax error has occurred on your WordPress website. Now you must be having questions like ‘What is a syntax error’, ‘how to fix syntax error’, ‘what does syntax error mean’ or ‘What is a syntax error example’. You have come to the right place. Here you will get answers to all these questions and other wordpress errors like HTTP 500 Error, Error Code 300, etc .
All About Syntax Error in WordPress
The occurrence of syntax errors is not a rare thing to happen in WordPress. This error may take place when you try to make some changes to the website by editing the code. These changes could be anything like updating the existing theme or plugin files or make certain changes in these files by editing codes with something else. This error is caused when you use the incorrect PHP syntax while making some changes to the code.
This is why you should always create a backup of the most recent version of your website before making any changes. This way you can get hold of your website back in no time if something gets messed up while making those changes.
Causes of Syntex Error:
Here we have listed a few possible reasons that can cause a syntax error to take place on your WordPress website.
1) Missing and Misplaced Punctuation: In any command, the punctuation gives the interpreter the information about where it is ending. Another important role of punctuation is making it clear how the code is grouped together and the way the different parts of the code should be called.
Using some wrong punctuation at places while editing the code is one of the most common reasons for the occurrence of a syntax error.
2) Containing Commands with Punctuation: If you have some in-depth knowledge about programming languages like Java and JavaScript then by now you must have figured out that they use parentheses and brackets to explain the code. This way you can better understand how the pieces of code are fitting together.
If the parentheses and brackets have not been used in a balancing manner in the command then it can cause a syntax error in the code.
Now it is important to make one thing clear, that in case of a Syntax error, the IDE may identify the line of code that has a syntax error, the programmer can use a single-step tracing to identify where each enclosure begins and ends to locate the potential error.
3) Outdated Code: Programming languages are no different from any other software when it comes to updates. You will be introduced to new frequent updates no matter which language you are using. At times, these updates also include removing the existing commands. If you are still using the old code for a program that is using an updated interpretation standard then you might come across the syntax error.
This is why it is very important that you use supported programming techniques. It helps you to replace the outdated pieces of code.
4) Incorrectly used Commands: If you are using a command that is inappropriate and incorrect, then the IDE debugging system will easily identify it. The program here is using strings. So, even when you are adding numbers, it sees them as text.
While the IDE identifies where the number and strings are added together, the program will himself/herself need to trace the code backward and determine where the string became a string.
5) Invalid Variable and Function Names: Variables and functions have a very important role to play in every programming language. While writing the code if you use either of them incorrectly then the PHP syntax will become incorrect. And this will cause a Syntax error.
Additionally, each language has unique naming rules which determine the acceptable:
- Character Types
- Case Sensitivity
- Initial Character Limitations
How To Fix Syntax Error?
This is not a common error, and it typically occurs through a mistake made by the user. Experienced developers often have no trouble fixing this error on their own, but if you’re new to adding and editing code to your site, you may be having a tough time figuring this error out.
As soon as this error takes place, it locks you out of your website completely. And this is why this error is even more difficult to take care of. There is no possibility for you that you can go back and amend that incorrect PHP syntax. It might seem inexplicable at first but there is no need to panic. If you follow all the steps appropriately then you will find a suitable way to fix this error.
Now, we will discuss the possible ways that you can use to get rid of the syntax error that has occurred on your website. For this you have to find out where you have made the mistake. There are two major steps of doing this.
Step 1: Finding the code that has mistakes
In this step, you have to start by recognizing the root cause of the problem. For this, you will have to figure out which file is causing the error.
You can also try tracing back to the plugins or themes that you have downloaded recently. At times these plugin or theme files can also cause this error to take place. This is more so the case when you are having a completely normally running website, but the error occurs after installing the new plugin.
Or you can try the last option which is going through the error message itself. When you encounter the error, the message says, “Parse Error: Syntax Error, which is then followed by the full path of the file that is responsible for that error. When you fix that code, the error gets fixed automatically.
Step 2: Resolving the Code
Get rid of this via FTP:
Whenever this issue occurs on a WordPress website, you get a message like this.
There is no need to panic if you are not able to login to the dashboard. You can use an FTP client and then access your WP files. This can also be done with the help of any FTP client as well. In this example, we are going to use FileZilla.
- First of all you have to download FileZilla. Then you will have to enter all the necessary information which is required to access the website.
- In the syntax error message there must be a path. Next, you have to follow that path.
- After this you will be able to determine exactly which file or folder is the root cause of this error. Once you get there, right click on it and start making the required modifications.
- Once you are done with making modifications to the code, you will see a message ‘File Has Changed’ on your screen.
- Here, you have to click on ‘Yes’. After that you can try refreshing the site URL and it should start working properly.
Fix the Error using Control Panel:
You can get rid of this error through cPanel also. For this you will have to:
- Log in to cPanel.
- After this, start looking for the option ‘File Manager.’
- Here, you have to go to the ‘Code Editor’.
- Now start looking for the piece of code where the mistake has been made.
- You can start editing the file.
- Once you are done with the changes, click on ‘Save Changes.’
- Now you can try browsing the website. This should work fine.
FAQs:
QA: When does a syntax error take place on a WordPress website?
Ans: A syntax error occurs when you make a mistake while writing the code.
QA: What happens when this error occurs?
Ans: When this error takes place the compiler becomes unable to process the file. And then it fails to display your website.
QA: What is the most common reason for the occurrence of this error?
Ans: Incorrect lines in PHP scripts is the most common cause of this error.
QA: What are the possible ways of fixing this error?
Ans: You can get rid of this error by using any of these two ways.
- Through FTP
- Through Control Panel
Wrapping Up!
This error can seem like a difficult problem to fix at first. The simple reason for this is, this error completely locks you out of your website as soon as it occurs. But if you follow all the appropriate steps then you will be able to get your website up and running. As you may have realized after reading this detailed explanation, getting rid of the What is a syntax error is actually pretty easy.
Are you facing this error on your website and do not know how to start the troubleshooting? Or have some other questions about it in your mind? If yes, then you can take some help from experienced WordPress professionals.
You do not have to worry if the need of any professional help arises. We are always there for you. We have a large and dedicated team of WordPress experts who can help you with everything related to WordPress. If you have any queries about WordPress Backup Service, WordPress Installation, Landing pages etc. then also we can help. You can contact us on 1-866-332-O276. We are available 24×7.
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