Fix positional argument after named argument in PHP
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Cannot use positional argument after named argument means a call places an unnamed value after a named argument.
You might encounter it after editing custom code.
The error concerns the structure of the call, rather than a missing form value.
Keep the file and line from the private log so the developer can inspect the exact location.
Before you start
Save the complete error line and its timestamp in a private note. Record the action that failed, the current PHP versionA PHP version is a numbered edition of PHP, like 8.3. Each edition is looked after for a limited time, then gets security fixes only, then nothing. and any components updated at the same time. Share only information needed for the investigation.
Public support forums are not suitable places for customer details, access credentials or complete server paths.
Back up both files and the database before making changes. Check that the backupA backup is a separate copy of your website's files and database, so you can bring the site back after a mistake, a hack or a failed update. is usable. Work on a restricted test copy with the same PHP version and relevant settings.
Disable real payments and outgoing customer emails there. Agree who will make the change and who will check the result. These steps are an investigation guide, not a diagnosis of your particular website.
Versions and responsibility
Ask your administrator to confirm the PHP version serving the affected website. Also record the WordPressWordPress is free software for building and editing a website in your browser. It is written in PHP, so it builds each page when someone visits., themeA WordPress theme is a ready-made package that decides how your WordPress site looks and how its pages are laid out. Change the theme and the design changes., pluginA WordPress plugin is an add-on you install in WordPress to give your site extra features, such as contact forms, SEO tools or a webshop. and bundled library versions involved. Establish which components changed during the same maintenance session.
A test using different code can give a different result even when its PHP version matches. Agree beforehand which user action will demonstrate a successful repair. Assign one responsible person to follow both the change and its acceptance check.
On the test copy, verify that scheduled jobs, payments and messages are actually separated from the live website.
Causes and PHP version
In a direct PHPPHP is a programming language that builds your web pages on the computer that hosts your site, just before they reach the visitor. WordPress runs on it. call, positional arguments must precede named arguments. With call_user_func_array, numeric keys likewise cannot follow string keys. The exact message can differ between these forms.
Establish whether the problem appears directly in a function call or while building an argument array. These paths require changes at different points in the application.
Choosing the correct repair
Ask the maintainer to compare the intended parameters with the actual call. Every value must retain its meaning. Sorting an array by key does not reliably restore the required parameter order.
Choose a consistent calling form suitable for the function and the PHP versions supported by the project. If the code is generated, inspect its generator too.
Five steps to a repair
- Record the full error line and timestamp. Identify the recent change affecting the relevant function call or the generator that creates it.
- Establish whether a direct call or a constructed argument array is responsible. Preserve a record of the intended mapping between values and parameters.
- Put positional arguments before named ones or use a suitable consistent form. Check every parameter against the actual receiving function definition.
- Have the changed PHP files checked with the intended PHP version. Then exercise the affected action using recognisable values on the test copy.
- Inspect results with optional values supplied and omitted. Save fresh logs and the comparison between intended parameters and the values actually used.
A practical check
A report function accepting a date range, output format and language offers an acceptance example. Request a recognisable period and inspect its title, language and file type. Repeat without the optional language setting.
If the report opens but covers the wrong period, the repair is not accepted. Ask the developer to compare the parameter mapping with the expected output again.
Getting help and checking the repair
Use the help form below if you cannot access the logs or do not know who maintains the affected code. Describe one failed action and the expected result. Ask for a proposal that separates the cause, the change and the acceptance check.
Do not include passwords with your request.
After the repair, repeat the original action on the test copy. Also check a normal visitor journey, an empty result and invalid input where relevant. Review fresh log entries at the new test time.
Keep versions and outcomes in your maintenance notes. Let the responsible administrator decide when the tested change can be applied to the live website.
Choosing the next step
Use the links below this article to choose the next step. The PHP update page helps you discuss maintenance with the administrator. Use the Exposure Check to check your PHP version.
Not every server exposes its version; confirm missing information with your host. This is a separate public check; do not treat its result as evidence that this programming error is repaired. Use the status page for current security information.
Keep the repair of the visitor action and the assessment of the server as separate checks in your notes. When requesting help, include the error text, the failed action and the expected result, but no passwords. Ask for one responsible person to oversee both the change and its acceptance.