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How to Fix PHP Error: Unexpected ']' Symbol Leading to Syntax Error

M66 2025-07-14

How to Fix PHP Error: Unexpected ']' Symbol Leading to Syntax Error

In PHP programming, syntax errors are very common, including errors caused by unmatched brackets, such as the "unexpected ']' symbol" error. This type of error is usually fixed by checking and correcting the bracket matching in the code.

Cause of the Error

The "unexpected ']' symbol" error typically occurs when brackets in PHP code are not properly closed. This often happens in array definitions, conditional statements, or function calls, where an unmatched bracket leads to syntax issues.

Solution

To solve this issue, follow these two steps:

  • Check Bracket Matching: First, check if each bracket in the code is properly paired. Ensure that each "[" symbol has a corresponding "]" symbol, each "(" symbol has a matching ")" symbol, and each "{" symbol is closed with a "}". Any missing or mismatched bracket will cause a syntax error.
  • Check for Other Syntax Errors: In addition to bracket matching, sometimes other syntax errors (like variable name typos, function call issues, etc.) can lead to this error. Therefore, ensure you check all the details in your code.

Example Code

Here is a simple example that demonstrates how to avoid syntax errors and ensure bracket matching:

<?php
$arr = [1, 2, 3];  // Correct array definition
echo $arr[0];  // Output the first element of the array
if ($arr[1] > 0) {
    echo "Element 1 is greater than 0.";
}
function myFunction() {
    return "Hello, World!";
}
echo myFunction();  // Call the function and output the result
?>

The above code does not contain any syntax errors, as all brackets are properly closed, and there are no missing symbols.

However, if you accidentally omit a "]" symbol in the array definition, it will cause a syntax error. For example:

<?php
$arr = [1, 2, 3;
// Error: Array is not properly closed
echo $arr[0];
?>

PHP will show the following error message:

Parse error: syntax error, unexpected 'echo' (T_ECHO) in file.php on line 3

To resolve this, simply add the missing "]" symbol in the array definition:

<?php
$arr = [1, 2, 3];  // Correct array definition
echo $arr[0];  // Output the first element of the array
?>

Conclusion

To fix the "unexpected ']' symbol" error in PHP, the first step is to check that all brackets are properly paired. After correcting any mismatched brackets and other potential syntax issues, the code should run correctly. We hope this article helps developers easily resolve similar PHP errors.

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