Testing PHP

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