Understanding Python Indentation and Code Blocks

✅ What is Indentation?

In Python, indentation refers to the spaces or tabs used at the beginning of a line of code. Unlike many other programming languages that use braces {} to define blocks of code, Python uses indentation to group statements.

🔑 Why is Indentation Important?

Indentation in Python is not optional — it's part of the syntax. If you don’t use it correctly, your code won’t run and will raise an IndentationError.

📦 What is a Code Block?

A code block is a group of code statements that belong together. You often use code blocks:

After if, elif, else statements

Inside functions, loops, classes, etc.

📌 Examples:

🧠 Example 1: if statement

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x = 10

if x > 5:

    print("x is greater than 5")

print("x is greater than 5") is indented, so it's part of the if block.

If you remove the indentation, Python will throw an error.

🚫 Incorrect:

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x = 10

if x > 5:

print("x is greater than 5")  # This will cause an IndentationError

🔁 Example 2: Loops

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for i in range(3):

    print(i)

    print("Looping")

Both print statements are inside the loop block.

🧪 Example 3: Functions

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def greet():

    print("Hello!")

    print("Welcome to Python")

greet()

The indented lines are the function body.

ℹ️ Indentation Rules in Python

Use 4 spaces per indentation level (this is the convention).

Do not mix tabs and spaces – this can cause errors or unexpected behavior.

Consistency is key. Use either tabs or spaces, but not both.

💡 Pro Tips

Most modern code editors (like VS Code, PyCharm) automatically handle indentation.

Use linters (like flake8 or pylint) to catch indentation mistakes.

✅ Summary

Concept Explanation

Indentation Spaces at the start of a line in Python

Code Block Group of code that runs together

Importance Defines structure – must be correct!

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