When you start PHP programming, you will get syntax errors. Many of them are small mistakes, but they can take a lot of time to find if you are not familiar with the basic syntax. These simple tips will save your time.
Habits that help
Type the code yourself. Copy and paste is fast, but you will not learn the syntax. Typing builds the habit.
Start small. Write and run a few lines at a time, so you know which line has the problem.
Read the error message. It tells the file and the line number. The real mistake is often on the line above.
Show errors on your local computer. Use error_reporting(E_ALL); while learning. Read PHP Errors.
Use a good editor. Visual Studio Code highlights the code and shows missing brackets.
Write comments and indent your code. It makes the code easy to read and to fix. See PHP Comments.
Practice every day, even 30 minutes. Try the PHP exercises.
Common beginner mistakes
Mistake
Example
Fix
Missing semicolon
echo "Hi"
End every statement with ;
Brackets or quotes not closed
echo "Hi;
Check that every (, { and quote has its pair
Wrong variable case
$Name and $name
Variable names are case-sensitive. See PHP Variables
