unexpected 'use' (T_USE) when trying to use composer

The T_USE error is a PHP parse error, not a Composer bug. It occurs when PHP encounters an unexpected or misplaced use keyword while parsing a file. While Composer requires PHP 7.2.5 or higher, this specific error is almost always caused by a syntax issue in your PHP files rather than the PHP version itself.

Common triggers and fixes:

• use inside a function or method: The use keyword for importing classes must be at the top level of a namespace. Move it outside the function.

  // ❌ Incorrect
  function myFunction() {
      use App\Models\User;
  }
  
  // ✅ Correct
  namespace App\Services;
  use App\Models\User;
  
  function myFunction() {
      // ...
  }

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• Missing namespace declaration: If your file contains use statements, ensure it begins with a namespace declaration.
• Typo or invalid context: Ensure you aren't using use as a variable name or in an incorrect syntax position.

How to locate and fix the error:

1. Run your Composer command again. PHP will output the exact filename and line number where the parse error occurs.
2. Open the specified file in your editor.
3. Navigate to the indicated line and correct the use statement according to the examples above.
4. Save the file and run composer install or composer update again.