Expected a declaration

Meaning

The parser found a token that cannot begin a top-level import, binding, function, external function, struct, or enum declaration.

Top-level expressions and calls are not initialization scripts. Executable statements belong inside a function such as main.

Why it happens

Common causes are a stray literal/operator, unsupported semicolon, missing brace that ended a declaration early, proposed syntax for a Coming Soon feature, or a call placed directly in the file.

Invalid code

9
fn main() -> Int { return 0 }

Correct code

let value = 9
fn main() -> Int { return value }

Common fixes

Put executable expressions inside a function, complete the preceding declaration, or remove stray punctuation. The parser synchronizes at later declaration starters and may report more than one top-level error.

Fix the earliest structural error first. trait, impl, and throw are reserved tokens but do not begin supported 0.1 declarations/statements.