[Solved]: Parse error: syntax error, unexpected T_SL

  John Mwaniki /    Updated on 07 Jul 2024

When specifying a string in PHP using the Heredoc or Nowdoc syntax, you may encounter the error below.

Parse error: syntax error, unexpected T_SL on line xx

For example, the code in the three examples below would result in this error.

Example 1

<?php
$message = <<<EOD The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog
EOD;
?>

Example 2

<?php
$message = <<<HEREDOC 
The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog
HEREDOC;
?>

Example 3

<?php
$message = <<ANYTHING
The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog
ANYTHING;
?>

Explanation for the error

In example 1, there are characters after the opening identifier.

In example 2, there is a whitespace after the opening identifier.

In example 3, there are only two angle brackets '<<'.

The Solution

Ensure there is no characters or space on the same line after the opening identifier. The opening identifier must be followed immediately by a new line. Since a space or tab is not easy to notice, click and drag the mouse after the identifier. If it will highlight anything then there is a space, remove it.

The heredoc operator consists of 3 angle brackets '<<<'. Omitting one or two will show this error.

That's it. With this, you are able to fix the error.