gdscript unexpected identifier in class body

Breiz Heurope

3 min read

·

10-03-2025

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GDScript's error message "unexpected identifier in class body" can be frustrating. This article will help you understand the causes and provide solutions to resolve this common issue in Godot Engine. We'll cover syntax errors, scoping problems, and best practices to avoid this error in the future.

Understanding the Error

The "unexpected identifier in class body" error arises when the GDScript parser encounters a variable, function, or constant name where it doesn't expect one. This typically indicates a problem with the syntax or structure of your class definition. The error points to a specific line, but the underlying cause might be slightly before or after that line.

Common Causes and Solutions

Here are some of the most frequent reasons for this error and how to fix them:

1. Missing or Misplaced Colons (:)

In GDScript, class members (variables, functions) are declared using a colon : after the member's type or keyword (func, var, const). Forgetting the colon or placing it incorrectly is a very common cause of this error.

Incorrect:

class_name MyObject extends Node:
    var myVariable = 10
    func _ready():
        print("Ready!")
    var anotherVariable = 20 # Unexpected identifier error here!

Correct:

class_name MyObject extends Node:
    var myVariable = 10
    func _ready():
        print("Ready!")
    var anotherVariable = 20 

2. Incorrect Indentation

GDScript relies heavily on indentation to define code blocks. Incorrect indentation within a class body can lead to the parser misinterpreting your code, resulting in the "unexpected identifier" error. Make sure your class members are properly indented.

Incorrect (Inconsistent Indentation):

class_name MyObject extends Node:
    var myVariable = 10
func _ready(): #Incorrect Indentation
    print("Ready!")

Correct:

class_name MyObject extends Node:
    var myVariable = 10
    func _ready():
        print("Ready!")

3. Missing or Extra Parentheses in Functions

Errors within function definitions are frequent culprits. Ensure all your parentheses are correctly balanced. Missing a closing parenthesis can throw the parser off and cause this error later in the class.

Incorrect (Missing parenthesis):

class_name MyObject extends Node:
    func myFunction(a, b
        return a + b

Correct:

class_name MyObject extends Node:
    func myFunction(a, b):
        return a + b

4. Typos or Incorrect Variable Names

Simple typos in variable, function, or constant names can trigger this error. Double-check all names for accuracy. GDScript is case-sensitive, so myVariable and MyVariable are considered different.

Incorrect (Typo):

class_name MyObject extends Node:
    var myVarible = 10 #Typo here

Correct:

class_name MyObject extends Node:
    var myVariable = 10

5. Signal or Enum Declaration Issues

If you're defining signals or enums within your class, ensure the correct syntax is used. Incorrectly placed commas or missing keywords can cause unexpected identifier errors.

Incorrect (Missing keyword):

class_name MyObject extends Node:
    signal mySignal(value) #Missing 'signal' keyword may cause errors further down.

Correct:

class_name MyObject extends Node:
    signal mySignal(value)

6. Unexpected Keywords

Sometimes, a keyword (like class_name, extends, func, var, const, signal, enum) might be placed incorrectly within the class body. This could happen if you're experimenting with the code structure and accidentally place a keyword where a variable or function should be.

Debugging Tips

• Check your indentation: Ensure consistent indentation throughout your class.
• Carefully examine the line indicated by the error: The error message usually points to the line where the parser first encounters the problem, but the real issue might be a few lines earlier.
• Use a code editor with syntax highlighting: A good code editor will visually highlight syntax errors and help you spot missing colons or parentheses more easily.
• Comment out sections of code: Temporarily comment out parts of your class to isolate the problematic section.
• Break down complex classes: If you have a very large class, break it down into smaller, more manageable classes. This improves readability and makes debugging easier.

By understanding these common causes and using the debugging techniques, you can effectively resolve the "unexpected identifier in class body" error and write cleaner, more robust GDScript code. Remember to always double-check your syntax and indentation. Good coding practices are key to avoiding such errors.