PHP String Syntax
PHP String Syntax is a Visual Studio Code extension that highlights HTML, XML/SVG, SQL and JavaScript embedded in PHP strings. The extension automatically infers HTML, XML/SVG and SQL content by default, while JavaScript requires explicit language markers to identify and apply syntax highlighting.
Features
- Automatic Language Detection: Infers and highlights HTML, XML/SVG and SQL content in PHP strings without requiring explicit markers.
- Explicit Language Markers: Supports
/*html*/, /*xml*/, /*svg*/, /*sql*/ and /*js*/ comments for explicit language specification when needed.
- Compatibility with Other Editors: The use of language markers does not interfere with syntax in other editors or IDEs.
Current Support
- HTML (auto-detected and with explicit marker)
- XML/SVG (auto-detected and with explicit marker)
- SQL (auto-detected and with explicit marker)
- JavaScript (with explicit marker)
Example
HTML Example

SQL Example

JavaScript Example (Explicit)
$jsCode = /*js*/ "console.log('Hello, World!');";
Visual Studio Code will apply HTML, XML/SVG, SQL and JavaScript syntax highlighting to the content of the strings, improving readability and streamlining development.
Customization
Some themes will require customizing the appearance of embedded code by adding TextMate scopes to your VS Code configuration. Below is a basic configuration for the settings.json file, but you can add more scopes as needed for your specific customization requirements:
"editor.tokenColorCustomizations": {
"textMateRules": [
{
"scope": [
"string.quoted text.xml.embedded",
"string.quoted text.html.embedded",
"string.quoted source.sql.embedded",
"string.quoted source.js.embedded"
],
"settings": {
"foreground": "#ABB2BF"
}
},
{
"scope": [
// "string.quoted punctuation.definition.tag",
],
"settings": {
"foreground": "#ABB2BF"
}
}
]
}
You can modify the hex color values to match your preferred color scheme.
Installation
- Open Visual Studio Code.
- Go to the Extensions view (Ctrl+Shift+X or Cmd+Shift+X on Mac).
- Search for PHP String Syntax.
- Click "Install."
Feedback
Your feedback is invaluable! If you encounter any issues or have suggestions for improvements, please report them here.
License
This extension is licensed under the MIT License. See the LICENSE file for details.
Enjoy coding with PHP String Syntax! 🚀