SyntaxError: Unexpected token

The “SyntaxError: Unexpected token” is a common error in JavaScript and usually occurs when the JavaScript engine encounters a token it wasn’t expecting in a particular context. Tokens are the building blocks of JavaScript code, and unexpected tokens can be caused by various issues. Here are some common scenarios and solutions for this error:

1. Mismatched Parentheses, Brackets, or Braces

// Incorrect
if (x > 5) {
  console.log('x is greater than 5');
}

// Correct
if (x > 5) {
  console.log('x is greater than 5');
}

Ensure that your parentheses, brackets, and braces are properly matched and closed. The error might be due to a missing or misplaced symbol.

2. Unescaped Characters

// Incorrect
let message = 'This is an 'unexpected' token';

// Correct
let message = 'This is an \'unexpected\' token';

If you’re using quotes inside a string, make sure to escape them properly to avoid confusion with the string delimiters.

3. Typos or Misspelled Keywords

// Incorrect
forr (let i = 0; i < 5; i++) {
  console.log(i);
}

// Correct
for (let i = 0; i < 5; i++) {
  console.log(i);
}

Check for typos or misspelled keywords in your code. In the example above, “forr” should be corrected to “for.”

4. Improper JSON Format

// Incorrect
let jsonData = { name: 'John', age 30, city: 'New York' };

// Correct
let jsonData = { name: 'John', age: 30, city: 'New York' };

Ensure that your JSON objects are formatted correctly with proper commas between key-value pairs.

5. Incorrect Function Declarations

// Incorrect
function greet(name)
  console.log('Hello, ' + name);

// Correct
function greet(name) {
  console.log('Hello, ' + name);
}

Function declarations should be followed by curly braces containing the function’s body. Verify that your function declarations are correct.

6. Unexpected Characters

// Incorrect
let totalCost = 100 $ 1.5;

// Correct
let totalCost = 100 * 1.5;

Ensure that mathematical operations use the correct operators and that unexpected characters are removed.

By carefully reviewing your code in the context of these common scenarios, you can identify and fix the “SyntaxError: Unexpected token” issue in your JavaScript code.

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