Understanding Python Indentation: A Guide to Writing Clean and Readable Code

Learn How Indentation Plays a Vital Role in Python’s Syntax and Code Structure

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Python’s indentation-based syntax is one of its defining features, contributing to the language’s readability and clarity.

In this article, we’ll explore the significance of indentation in Python, how it defines code blocks, and best practices for maintaining consistent indentation in your Python codebase.

The Role of Indentation in Python

Unlike many other programming languages that use curly braces or keywords to define code blocks, Python relies on indentation. Indentation is not just a matter of style; it’s an integral part of the language’s syntax and directly affects how code is interpreted.

Defining Code Blocks with Indentation

In Python, indentation is used to delineate the beginning and end of code blocks, such as loops, conditional statements, and function definitions. Consistent indentation ensures that Python’s interpreter can correctly parse and execute your code.

Example 1: Conditional Statements:

x = 10
if x > 5:
    print("x is greater than 5")…