php error: unexpected T_OBJECT_OPERATOR.... trying to install magento using ssh commands to dreamhost

Question

I am trying to install magento (e-commerce platform)

I am following a tutorial that tells me to run this command using ssh: ./pear mage-setup

but i'm getting this error:

Parse error: syntax error, unexpected T_OBJECT_OPERATOR in /home/domainname.com/downloader/pearlib/php/System.php on line 400

Line 400 is commented in the code snippit from the system.php file:

   /* Magento fix for set tmp dir in config.ini
     */
    if (class_exists('Maged_Controller',false)) {
        /*line 400 */
        $magedConfig = Maged_Controller::model('Config',true)->load();**
        if ($magedConfig->get('use_custom_permissions_mode') == '1' && 
            $mode = $magedConfig->get('mkdir_mode')) {
            $result = System::mkDir(array('-m' . $mode, $tmpdir));
        } else {
            $result = System::mkDir(array('-p', $tmpdir));
        }

        if (!$result) {
            return false;
        }
    }

Can anyone help my demystify this error?

Answer 1

I'm wondering what the double-stars are on the fifth line:

                         #                             here - v
$magedConfig = Maged_Controller::model('Config',true)->load();**

---

Edit: You are attempting to use "chaining" ($obj->func()->otherFunc()) which is only supported in PHP5:

$magedConfig = Maged_Controller::model('Config',true)->load();

Change the line to this:

$magedConfig = Maged_Controller::model('Config',true);
$magedConfig = $magedConfig->load();

Your other option is to upgrade to PHP 5, but at this point in the game, it might break your code.

Answer 2

Verify that you meet the following requirements:

http://www.magentocommerce.com/system-requirements

Magento only runs on php 5.2.x, not 5.3. Also make sure the extensions listed on the requirements page are enabled.

Might be different for you, but I can check the php version using

php -v