PHP nested if syntax error

Question

I have a weird syntax issue relating to nested if statements.

This code errors:

if(true):
    if(true){
        var_dump(true);
    }
else:
    var_dump(false);
endif;

This code does not error (note the added ;):

if(true):
    if(true){
        var_dump(true);
    };
else:
    var_dump(false);
endif;

What gives?

the ; is expected after endif. also PLEASE @anybody dont use the if(): endif; syntax :P — n00b
– n00b, Commented Mar 31, 2011 at 21:46
Could be just my opinion, but I always viewed that syntax as a horrible horrible perl artifact. (+1 n00b). I'd like to add this is bad in while loops as well (damn popular in wordpress). — Christian
– Christian, Commented Mar 31, 2011 at 21:47
@n00b and @Christian Sciberras it is intended for PHP templating I believe and not for in methods etc. It is useful when you have PHP logic mixed with HTML as it is easier to read than a floating curly brace which could be to close an if or a while or for etc. php.net/manual/en/control-structures.alternative-syntax.php — Treffynnon
– Treffynnon, Commented Mar 31, 2011 at 21:52
@Christian Sciberras Yes, there are alternatives. I was just pointing out that jumping on it as not having a purpose is short sighted and not necessarily correct in every instance. — Treffynnon
– Treffynnon, Commented Mar 31, 2011 at 21:58

Bastian · Accepted Answer · 2011-03-31 21:48:41Z

5

It's because the else is assigned to the inner if without the ;

answered Mar 31, 2011 at 21:48

Bastian

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Comments

Blake Visin · Accepted Answer · 2011-03-31 22:14:16Z

3

Note:

Mixing syntaxes in the same control block is not supported.

This is from the notes in the PHP manual:

answered Mar 31, 2011 at 22:14

Blake Visin

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crow · Accepted Answer · 2017-06-03 22:52:54Z

0

I know this is an old question, but I found a valid answer to it. I changed the OP's code:

if(true):
   if(true){
       var_dump(true);
   }
else:
   var_dump(false);
endif;

to the following:

if (true) :
    {
        if (true) {
            var_dump ( true );
        } else {
            var_dump ( false );
        }
    }
endif;

which successfully ran and printed true.

The only change I made was that I wrapped the nested if in a block.

Simplified code:

if (true) :
    {
        if (true)
            var_dump ( true );
        else
            var_dump ( false );
    }
endif;

Note that I am using PHP 7.0.0.

answered Jun 3, 2017 at 22:52

crow

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