SYNTAX ERROR
Apple Apple II
Severity: MinorWhat Does This Error Mean?
SYNTAX ERROR on the Apple II means the Applesoft BASIC interpreter could not understand a line of your program. Look at the line number shown after the error and use LIST to review it for misspelled keywords, missing punctuation, or unsupported commands.
Affected Models
- Apple II
- Apple II Plus
- Apple IIe
- Apple IIc
- Apple IIgs
- AppleWin emulator
Common Causes
- Misspelled BASIC keyword
- Missing parenthesis, comma, or quote mark
- Using Integer BASIC syntax in Applesoft BASIC or vice versa
- Command not supported by the current BASIC interpreter
- Extra characters after a complete statement on the same line
How to Fix It
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Type LIST followed by the line number shown after SYNTAX ERROR.
For example, if the error says SYNTAX ERROR IN 50, type: LIST 50 This displays the offending line so you can read it carefully.
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Check for missing or mismatched quotes and parentheses.
PRINT "HELLO is missing its closing quote. If a function call is missing a closing bracket, Applesoft will show SYNTAX ERROR.
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Make sure you are using Applesoft BASIC commands, not Integer BASIC.
The Apple II shipped with two BASICs: Integer BASIC (in ROM on the original II) and Applesoft BASIC (in ROM on the II Plus and IIe). Some commands exist in one but not the other.
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Retype the line from scratch.
Type the line number followed by the corrected statement and press RETURN. The new version replaces the old one automatically.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Applesoft BASIC and Integer BASIC on the Apple II?
Integer BASIC came built into the original Apple II ROM and only supports whole numbers. Applesoft BASIC (licensed from Microsoft) was added in the Apple II Plus and supports floating-point numbers, more string functions, and is the version most people associate with the Apple II.
Does SYNTAX ERROR in Applesoft show the line number?
Yes — Applesoft BASIC shows the line number where the error occurred: SYNTAX ERROR IN 150. This makes it easy to find the problem with LIST 150.