In the recent WordPress 4.9 release “Tipton”, it includes some really cool coding enhancements. This can be useful for developers but very confusing for newbie users to WordPress.
The Syntax Highlighting and Error Checking displays when editing your files right inside the Dashboard. For example, going to Appearance > Editor will display your files, some of which can be modified. With the Syntax Highlighting activated, you will be greeted with this pop-up message:
Checking “I understand” will then display the default page which is typically the stylesheet.
There have been a few errors for some when trying to update their files when changes have been made. One of the things that has worked for me has been to “disable” the Syntax Highlighting and Error Checking all together.
How to Disable WordPress Syntax Highlighting
To disable this function, go to Users > Your Profile and check the box.
Clear any caching (which is what I needed to do). Then try to save your file.
Note: You may or may not continue to get errors depending on your theme and WordPress set up.
Again, modifying your files in the Editors inside the Dashboard is highly discouraged, but if you are comfortable doing it, make sure you have a backup of your files and access to your hosting account to resolve any errors, i.e., white screens.
Special shout out to Rian Reitveld (@RianRietveld) for suggesting this be included in WordPress 4.9 via her post here.
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