Why is it important to check for syntax errors in PHP code?

Syntax errors in PHP code can prevent the code from running properly and can lead to unexpected behavior or even crashing the application. It is important to check for syntax errors to ensure that the code is written correctly and will execute as intended. One way to check for syntax errors is to use a PHP linter or IDE that can highlight syntax errors in real-time.

// Example PHP code snippet with a syntax error
$name = "Alice'
echo "Hello, $name!";
```

To fix the syntax error in the code snippet above, simply add a closing double quote after "Alice" in the $name variable assignment.

```php
$name = "Alice";
echo "Hello, $name!";