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Skill

testing-php

run PHP linting to catch syntax errors

Covers PHP QA Code Analysis Testing

Description

Guidelines for running PHP linting to catch syntax errors

SKILL.md

When to use me

Use this skill when validating PHP files for syntax errors. Do not use this skill for JavaScript or CSS validation.

Step 1: Identify PHP files

Find all PHP files in the project, excluding vendor/, node_modules/, and build/ directories:

find . -name "*.php" -not -path "*/vendor/*" -not -path "*/node_modules/*" -not -path "*/build/*"

Step 2: Run PHP syntax check

Check each PHP file for syntax errors using php -l:

php -l <file>
  • A file with valid syntax prints No syntax errors detected in <file> and exits 0.
  • A file with syntax errors prints the error message with line number and exits non-zero.
  • Fix any syntax errors found by editing the file, then re-run php -l to confirm.

Rules

  • Syntax only: This skill checks for PHP syntax errors. Do not run PHPCS or other coding standard tools.
  • Max 3 cycles: Run at most 3 fix-then-retest cycles per file. If issues remain after 3 cycles, report them as unresolved.
  • Never modify business logic: Only fix syntax errors. Do not change how the code works.
  • Report format: After testing, report results as:
    • PASS: No syntax errors
    • FAIL: List remaining errors with file, line, and message

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