Syntax error: unexpected token "-"

Question

I'm doing a web application, and when I started writing the code in JavaScript I'm getting this error:

Syntax error: unexpected token "-" javascript 

I'm using Aptana Studio 3. I thought it was Aptana's problem, so then I tried with Eclipse, but still got the same error. Eclipse shows me this error:

Cannot return from outside a function or method.

Here's my function:

function www_ebest_eu_company_node_service_task-slot-info () {
 this.typeMarker = 'www_ebest_eu_company_node_service_task-slot-info';
 this._endDateTime = null;
 this._number = null;
 this._orderId = null;
 this._startDateTime = null;
 this._taskId = null;
 this._taskStatus = null;
}

I have many functions like this, and for every of them I'm getting the same error.

Does anyone have the same problem?

Answer 1

www_ebest_eu_company_node_service_task-slot-info is not a valid JavaScript identifier.

• Totoro: what does you mean with that? because the problem seems to be the "-" since I tried replacing the "-" with "_" and it seems to work :)
• Pointy: Yes, @alisnehx, that's right. JavaScript does not allow "-" in identifiers.
• Totoro: Thank you..It seems I have a big problem then since I have an auto-generated long code with cxf apache from wsdl to js..So it's impossible traying to replace manyally everyone of them!
• dave4420: @alisnehx You will have to alter the code generation tool, or write a short program that alters the auto-generated output.

Answer 2

You cannot use hyphens in JavaScript function names:

function www_ebest_eu_company_node_service_task-slot-info () {
// Should proabbly be
function www_ebest_eu_company_node_service_task_slot_info () {
//---------------------------------------------^^^^^^^^

• Totoro: Oh yes thank you! I notice it in fact,so there is no way on accepting the "-" like a part of the function's name?

Answer 3

A hyphen "-" is not a valid character for naming variables or functions. The hyphen is used for arithmetic, subtraction, and not for naming variables. You can replace the hyphens with underscores or go with a CamelCase notation.

Answer 4

Dashes are not allowed in identifier (function, variables, etc) names. Stay consistant with underscores or camelCase.