Python Syntax

When learning a language—whether it’s English or Python—syntax refers to the rules that define how you write correctly structured sentences or code.

In programming, syntax is how we organize and arrange the parts of code like variables, functions, loops, and even comments, so the computer can understand what we mean. If the syntax is incorrect, the code simply won’t run—it will throw an error.

A Simple Example

Let’s look at a basic Python example:

				
					for i in range(5):
    print(i)

In this code:

for i in range(5): is a loop with correct syntax.
print(i) is indented underneath the loop, which tells Python that this line is part of the loop block.

Indentation is not just about neatness in Python—it’s a rule. If the indentation is missing or inconsistent, Python will throw an IndentationError.

Final Thoughts

Syntax is the foundation of writing code. It’s what separates meaningful instructions from errors. Even a small typo like a missing colon : or an extra space can stop your code from working.

As you move forward, always keep an eye on:

Proper indentation
Correct use of keywords
Proper punctuation like colons, commas, and brackets

Mastering Python syntax is the first real step to becoming confident in writing clean, working code.