Addressing ‘Parse Error: Syntax Error’ in WordPress
A ‘Parse error: syntax error’ in WordPress occurs when the server encounters a syntax error while parsing PHP code. This can happen due to missing or mismatched parentheses, brackets, or curly braces in PHP code, or due to an invalid character in the code.
To resolve this error:
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Check the code for missing or mismatched syntax: Review the code to ensure that all opening and closing brackets, parentheses, and curly braces are in the correct place.
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Remove any invalid characters: Ensure that the code does not contain any unexpected characters, such as extra spaces or tabs, which can trigger syntax errors.
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Check code before copying: If you copied code from another source, ensure that you copied it accurately and did not introduce any mistakes.
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Debug using dev tools: Open the browser’s developer tools (e.g., press F12 in Chrome) and navigate to the
Consoletab to check for error messages. -
Disable all plugins: Deactivate all active plugins to temporarily rule out plugin conflicts as the root cause.
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Switch to a default theme: Change the active theme to WordPress’s default theme (e.g., Twenty Twenty-Two) to eliminate any theme-related issues.
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Inspect WordPress files: Review the WordPress core and theme files for any modifications or syntax errors.
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Clear cache: Clear the WordPress cache (e.g., through the
WP Rocketplugin or via the command line) to ensure that outdated cached files are not causing the error. -
Check for file permissions: Ensure that WordPress files and directories have the correct file permissions.
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Contact your hosting provider: If all else fails, contact your hosting provider for assistance. They may be able to identify and resolve more complex issues.
Great information and very useful. BTW, here is a joke: What do you call a computer that sings? A Dell.
Your content has many waffle and incorrect information.
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This error is driving me crazy. Thanks so much for remedies; I think I found the incorrect code in my plugin , will investigate further.
I’m pretty sure that this post was written by a monkey trained to hit keys randomly on a key bord. What is the point that the writer is trying to make?
The original content did not discuss how to avoid this problem. The section titled ‘Avoiding the error’ should be moved to the end of the article.
WordPress has been buggy lately. I’m thinking of switching to another CMS.
I installed the latest version of WordPress a couple weeks ago and I haven’t had any problems like this so far, knock on wood.
Maybe I am just lucky but I’ve never seen this error; sounds like it would be a pain to fix..
This is very common error and the remedies you suggested worked for me before. Good reminder! Thanks
I think this error is caused by a problem with the server configuration. I’m not sure how to fix it, but I’m going to contact my hosting provider for help.
I’m having this problem right now. I’ve tried all of the remedies you suggested, but nothing has worked. I’m going to try reinstalling WordPress.
Whenever I try to edit a document, the funniest thing displays: ‘parse error: syntax error’! This seriously needs an emoji; maybe a monkey wearing glasses.
This is the best information I have found regarding syntax errors in WordPress! Thank you for posting!