docs/content/error/$controller/ctrlfmt.ngdoc
@ngdoc error
@name $controller:ctrlfmt
@fullName Badly formed controller string
@description
This error occurs when {@link ng.$controller $controller} service is called
with a string that does not match the supported controller string formats.
Supported formats:
1. `__name__`
2. `__name__ as __identifier__`
Neither `__name__` or `__identifier__` may contain spaces.
Example of incorrect usage that leads to this error:
```html
<!-- unclosed ng-controller attribute messes up the format -->
<div ng-controller="myController>
```
or
```js
// does not match `__name__` or `__name__ as __identifier__`
var myCtrl = $controller("mY contRoller", { $scope: newScope });
```
or
```js
directive("myDirective", function() {
return {
// does not match `__name__` or `__name__ as __identifier__`
controller: "mY contRoller",
link: function() {}
};
});
```
To fix the examples above, ensure that the controller string matches the supported
formats, and that any html attributes which are used as controller expressions are
closed.
Please consult the {@link ng.$controller $controller} service api docs to learn more.