parse_error

The parse_error attribute tells DocTest to expect a PHP parse error. The block passes if the code fails to parse (non-zero exit code from php -l).

Syntax

// This code has intentional syntax errors
echo 'Hello

How It Works

1. The code is written to a temporary file as-is
2. The file is executed with PHP
3. A non-zero exit code (indicating a parse error) means the block passes
4. If the code runs successfully, the block fails

When to Use

• Demonstrating what invalid PHP syntax looks like
• Teaching materials showing common mistakes
• Documentation that explains parser behavior

Examples

Missing semicolon

$x = 42
echo $x;

Unclosed string

echo "Hello, World!;

Invalid syntax

function 123invalid() {}

Failure Condition

The block fails if the code executes successfully without a parse error:

```php parse_error
// This is valid PHP — the block will FAIL
echo 'Hello';
```