goto.labelUndefined

Code example

<?php declare(strict_types = 1);

function doFoo(): void
{
	goto nonexistent;
}

Why is it reported?

The goto statement targets a label that does not exist in the same function or method scope. PHP requires the target label to be defined within the same scope as the goto statement. Jumping to a label defined outside the current function, closure, or class method is not allowed.

Common cases where this error occurs:

• The label name is misspelled or does not exist at all
• The label is defined in an enclosing function, but the goto is inside a closure or anonymous class
• The label is defined inside a closure or nested function, but the goto is in the outer function

This is a fatal error in PHP and cannot be ignored.

How to fix it

Define the target label in the same scope as the goto statement:

 function doFoo(): void
 {
-	goto nonexistent;
+	goto end;
+	echo 'skipped';
+	end:
+	echo 'done';
 }

If the goto is trying to jump across a closure or anonymous class boundary, restructure the code to avoid goto entirely:

 function doFoo(): void
 {
-	outside:
 	$fn = function () {
-		goto outside;
+		return;
 	};
 }