Are you wondering how to fix a syntax issue in WordPress?

Numerous WordPress tutorials need you to include code snippets on your website. Unfortunately, a minor problem might cause the entire site to crash, which is extremely concerning, particularly for new users. If you receive the problem “Syntax error, unexpected…” when experimenting with your WordPress site, don’t worry.

In this article, we’ll show you how to fix an unexpected syntax issue in WordPress.

Using Proper Syntax to Avoid Errors

The first step is to review the beginner’s guide on pasting snippets from the web into WordPress. This article discusses some of the most typical mistakes made by beginners while putting code in WordPress templates.

The syntax issue is frequently triggered by a little but important mistake in your code syntax.

For example, a missing comma or an extra curly bracket could cause the entire script to break.

Did you recently copy and paste something from the web? Updated a plugin? Then chances are you already know where to look.

If you don’t like the video or need additional instructions, keep reading.

Fixing the Syntax Error Using FTP

To repair the syntax error, you must update the code that created it. You can either remove it or correct the syntax.

Beginners often panic since this issue renders their entire site inaccessible. If you pasted the code into your WordPress dashboard’s Appearance » Editor section, you are locked out. Check out our advice for what to do if you are locked out of WordPress admin.

So, how do you alter the code?

The only method to remedy this is to connect to the file you last changed using FTP. Step-by-step instructions can be found in our FTP tutorial.

After installing the FTP application, log in to your website and navigate to the theme file that requires editing. If you forget which file you need to change, simply glance at the error code. The error will specify the file and line you need to update.

You can either remove the code you already added or write it in the proper syntax. Once you’ve finished removing or altering the code, save the file and upload it back to your server.

After that, go to your WordPress site, refresh the page, and you should see that it’s working again.

How to Prevent the Syntax Error in WordPress

To keep your WordPress website from problems again, we always advocate inserting custom code using a code snippets plugin such as WPCode.

WPCode allows you to add code snippets to your WordPress theme without editing the functions.php file.

In addition, it has clever code snippet checking to assist you avoid typical code problems.

Automatically detect any problems while inserting your unique code. Hovering over error will provide helpful information, allowing you to easily remedy your mistake.

WPCode will also deactivate your custom code as soon as it detects a syntax problem.

 

You no longer have to worry about breaking your site when you add code snippets.

Our post explains how to simply integrate custom code in WordPress.

Fixing syntax errors in WordPress involves several steps. Here’s a detailed guide to help you resolve these errors:

Common Causes of Syntax Errors

1. Editing Theme or Plugin Files: Syntax errors often occur when modifying theme or plugin files.
2. Incorrect PHP Code: Missing or extra characters such as semicolons, brackets, or quotation marks.
3. Incomplete Code Snippets: Pasting incomplete or poorly written code snippets.

Steps to Fix Syntax Errors

1. Identify the Error Location

• Error Message: When a syntax error occurs, WordPress usually displays an error message indicating the file and line number where the error is found.
• Common Message: Parse error: syntax error, unexpected '}' in /path/to/file.php on line 20

2. Access WordPress Files

• File Manager: Use the file manager in your hosting control panel.
• FTP Client: Access your WordPress files via an FTP client like FileZilla.
• Code Editor Plugin: If you can still access the WordPress admin area, use a code editor plugin to edit files directly.

3. Fix the Syntax Error

• Edit the Specified File: Navigate to the file and line number mentioned in the error message.
• Correct the Syntax: Check for common syntax issues such as:
  • Missing semicolons (;)
  • Unclosed brackets ({}, [], ())
  • Incorrectly nested brackets
  • Missing quotation marks (" or ')
  • Extra characters or typos
• Example Fix:

  4. Save and Test

  • Save Changes: After fixing the error, save the file.
  • Refresh Your Site: Refresh your WordPress site to see if the error is resolved.

  Using a Backup

  If you have a recent backup of your WordPress site, you can restore the site to its previous state. This is a quick way to revert changes that caused the error.

  Debugging Tools

  1. Enable WP_DEBUG Mode:
     • 1. • This will display detailed error messages, helping you locate and fix syntax errors.
       2. Use a Syntax Checker:
          • Use online PHP syntax checkers or integrated development environment (IDE) features to identify syntax errors before saving changes.

       Preventing Syntax Errors

       1. Code Editors with Syntax Highlighting: Use editors like Visual Studio Code, Sublime Text, or PhpStorm which highlight syntax errors.
       2. Code Validation Tools: Use tools and plugins that validate your code before it’s executed.
       3. Staging Environment: Test changes in a staging environment before applying them to your live site.Add the following line to your wp-config.php file to enable debugging.

Also, Read More Relevant Articles

• How to Fix WordPress Posts Returning 404 Error
• How to Upload an HTML Page to WordPress Without 404 Errors
• How to Fix PHP Missing MySQL Extension Error in WordPress
• How to Add a Custom Database Error Page in WordPress
• Top 9 Reasons WordPress Websites Get Hacked: How to Stay Safe
• How to Create Custom RSS Feed in WordPress
• How to Allow Users to Post Anonymous Comments on WordPress
• How to Add Ads Within Your Post Content in WordPress
• How to Fix WordPress Keeps Logging Out Problem
• What is an SEO Friendly URL Structure in WordPress

The Final Line

To summarize, fixing syntax problems in WordPress usually involves carefully inspecting your code, determining the precise line or lines where the error occurred, and correcting any errors such as missing parentheses, semicolons, or erroneous function usage. Using tools like code editors with syntax highlighting and error checking can help you find and resolve these issues quickly.

Regularly upgrading WordPress core, themes, and plugins also helps to avoid syntax issues caused by obsolete or incompatible code. By following these procedures, you can keep your WordPress site accurate and error-free, resulting in optimal speed and user experience.