Python Syntax – Take your first step in the Python Programming World

Free Python courses with 57 real-time projects - Learn Python

Today, we will learn about Python syntax in which, we will see what is Python syntax and how it is different from Java and C++.

After reading this article of DataFlair, you will be able to identify and debug Python syntax.

So, let’s first understand Python Syntax with the help of examples.

Do not forget to check Important Interview Questions from this topic at the end.

What is Python Syntax?

The Python syntax defines all the set of rules that are used to create sentences in Python programming.

For example –  We have to learn grammar to learn the English language. In the same way, you will need to learn and understand the Python syntax in order to learn the Python language.

Example of Python Syntax

Python is a popular language because of its elegant syntax structure.

Let’s take a quick look at a simple Python program and you will get an idea of how programming in Python looks like.

#Simple Python Program to see if a user is eligible to vote or not.

# getting user’s name 
print("Enter your name:")
name = input()

# getting user’s age
print("Enter your age:")
age = int(input())

# condition to check if user is eligible or not
if( age >= 18 ):
    print( name, ' is eligible to vote.')
else:
    print( name, ' is not eligible to vote.')

Output

Enter your name:
Harsh
Enter your age:
19
Harsh is eligible to vote.

Types of Syntax Structures in Python

Types of syntax in Python

1. Python Line Structure

A Python program comprises logical lines. A NEWLINE token follows each of those. The interpreter ignores blank lines.

The following line causes an error.

>>> print("Hi
How are you?")

Output:

SyntaxError: EOL while scanning string literal

2. Python Multiline Statements

This one is an important Python syntax. We saw that Python does not mandate semicolons.

A new line means a new statement. But sometimes, you may want to split a statement over two or more lines.

It may be to aid readability. You can do so in the following ways.

a. Use a backward slash

>>> print("Hi\
how are you?")

Output:

Hihow are you?

You can also use it to distribute a statement without a string across lines.

>>> a\
=\
10
>>> print(a)

Output:

10

b. Put the String in Triple Quotes

>>> print("""Hi
       how are you?""")

Output:

Hi
how are you?

However, you can’t use backslashes inside a docstring for statements that aren’t a string.

>>> """b\
=\
10"""

Output:

‘b=10’
>>> print(b)

Output:

Traceback (most recent call last):
File “<pyshell#6>”, line 1, in <module>
print(b)
NameError: name ‘b’ is not defined

3. Python Comments

Python Syntax ‘Comments’ let you store tags at the right places in the code. You can use them to explain complex sections of code.

The interpreter ignores comments. Declare a comment using an octothorpe (#).

>>> #This is a comment

Python does not support general multiline comments like Java or C++.

4. Python Docstrings

A docstring is a documentation string. As a comment, this Python Syntax is used to explain code.

But unlike comments, they are more specific. Also, they are retained at runtime.

This way, the programmer can inspect them at runtime. Delimit a docstring using three double-quotes. You may put it as a function’s first line to describe it.

>>> def func():
	"""
		This function prints out a greeting
	"""
	print("Hi")
>>> func()

Output:

Hi

5. Python Indentation

Since Python doesn’t use curly braces to delimit blocks of code, this Python Syntax is mandatory.

You can indent code under a function, loop, or class.

>>> if 2>1:
      print("2 is the bigger person");
      print("But 1 is worthy too");

Output:

2 is the bigger person
But 1 is worthy too

You can indent using a number of tabs or spaces, or a combination of those.

But remember, indent statements under one block of code with the same amount of tabs and spaces.

>>> if 2>1:
     print("2 is the bigger person");
   print("But 1 is worthy too");

Output:

SyntaxError: unindent does not match any outer indentation level

6. Python Multiple Statements in One Line

You can also fit in more than one statement on one line. Do this by separating them with a semicolon.

But you’d only want to do so if it supplements readability.

>>> a=7;print(a);

Output:

7

7. Python Quotations

Python supports the single quote and the double quote for string literals. But if you begin a string with a single quote, you must end it with a single quote.

The same goes for double-quotes.

The following string is delimited by single quotes.

>>> print('We need a chaperone');

Output:

We need a chaperone

This string is delimited by double-quotes.

>>> print("We need a 'chaperone'");

Output:

We need a ‘chaperone’

Notice how we used single quotes around the word chaperone in the string? If we used double quotes everywhere, the string would terminate prematurely.

>>> print("We need a "chaperone"");

Output:

SyntaxError: invalid syntax

8. Python Blank Lines

If you leave a line with just whitespace, the interpreter will ignore it.

9. Python Identifiers

An identifier is a name of a program element, and it is user-defined. This Python Syntax uniquely identifies the element.

There are some rules to follow while choosing an identifier:

  • An identifier may only begin with A-Z, a-z, or an underscore(_).
  • This may be followed by letters, digits, and underscores- zero or more.
  • Python is case-sensitive. Name and name are two different identifiers.
  • A reserved keyword may not be used as an identifier. The following is a list of keywords.
anddefFalseimportnotTrue
asdelfinallyinortry
assertelifforispasswhile
breakelsefromlambdaprintwith
classexceptglobalNoneraiseyield
continueexecifnonlocalreturn

Apart from these rules, there are a few naming conventions that you should follow while using this Python syntax:

  • Use uppercase initials for class names, lowercase for all others.
  • Name a private identifier with a leading underscore ( _username)
  • Name a strongly private identifier with two leading underscores ( __password)
  • Special identifiers by Python end with two leading underscores.

10. Python Variables

In Python, you don’t define the type of the variable. It is assumed on the basis of the value it holds.

>>> x=10
>>> print(x)

Output:

10
>>> x='Hello'
>>> print(x)

Output:

Hello

Here, we declared a variable x and assigned it a value of 10. Then we printed its value. Next, we assigned it the value ‘Hello’ and printed it out.

So, we see, a variable can hold any type of value at a later instant. Hence, Python is a dynamically-typed language.

11. Python String Formatters

Now let us see the different types of String formatters in Python:

a. % Operator

You can use the % operator to format a string to contain text as well as values of identifiers. Use %s where you want a value to appear.

After the string, put a % operator and mention the identifiers in parameters.

>>> x=10;  printer="HP"
>>> print("I just printed %s pages to the printer %s" % (x, printer))

Output:

I just printed 10 pages to the printer HP

b. Format Method

The format method allows you to format a string in a similar way. At the places, you want to put values, put 0,1,2,.. in curly braces.

Call the format method on the string and mention the identifiers in the parameters.

>>> print("I just printed {0} pages to the printer {1}".format(x, printer))

Output:

I just printed 10 pages to the printer HP

You can also use the method to print out identifiers that match certain values.

>>> print("I  just printed {x} pages to the printer {printer}".format(x=7, printer='HP'))

Output:

I just printed 7 pages to the printer HP

c. f-strings

If you use an f-string, you just need to mention the identifiers in curly braces. Also, write ‘f’ right before the string, but outside the quotes used.

>>> print(f"I just printed {x} pages to the printer {printer}")

Output:

I just printed 10 pages to the printer HP

So, this was all about the Python Syntax tutorial. I hope you liked our explanation.

Python Interview Questions on Python Syntax

  1. What are Python Identifiers?
  2. Name various string formatters in Python.
  3. What is the use of Python Docstrings?
  4. What is the use of Python Multiline Statements?
  5. Explain Python Quotations.

Summary

In this Python Syntax tutorial, we learned about the basic Python syntax.

We learned about its line structure, multiline statements, comments and docstrings, indentation, and quotations.

We also learned about blank lines, identifiers, variables, multiple statements in one line, and string formatters.

Did we exceed your expectations?
If Yes, share your valuable feedback on Google

follow dataflair on YouTube

81 Responses

  1. siva says:

    This is the finest website to learn python, with such a fantastic explanation.
    Keep going, we need you more.

    • DataFlair Team says:

      Thanks siva your appreciation has been such a blessing. Our team is dedicated to delivering the best possible explanations for our content , please don’t forget to share our free courses with as many as people as possible.

  2. Bello Amos says:

    This is Awesome!

    • DataFlair Team says:

      We are grateful to your positive feedback, it means a lot that you find it amazing. Please don’t forget to visit python projects, they offer exciting opportunities for learning and exploring.

  3. Daniel Ugochukwu Onovo says:

    Very clear explanation. Easy to understand

    • DataFlair Team says:

      Thank you for the positive feedback, it makes lot for us. Please don’t forget to share our content to as many as people.

  4. Rabiu Ayomide says:

    Where can i get the source code

  5. Annam Alekhya says:

    learning python in this platform is really awesome with nice examples!

    • DataFlair Team says:

      We highly appreciate your feedback . Our team is dedicated to delivering the best possible python content. Please don’t forget to rate us on google.

  6. prashanth palaparthi says:

    x=10; printer=”HP”
    print(“I just printed %s pages to the printer %s” % (x, printer))
    print(“I just printed {0} pages to the printer {1}”.format(x, printer))
    print(“I just printed {x} pages to the printer {printer}”.format(x=7, printer=’HP’))
    print(f”I just printed {x} pages to the printer {printer}”)
    It’s difficult to understand

    • DataFlair Team says:

      This are the examples of string formatters. String formatters are the process of inserting custom strings in the text, this are the outputs of the three types of string formatters
      %Operator – In this formatting, we use %s where you want to appear a value.
      Format Method – Wherever you want to values, put 0,1,2 in curly braces.
      f-strings – If you use an f-string, you just need to mention the identifiers in curly braces. Also, write ‘f’ right before the string, but outside the quotes used.

  7. Ogunleye Opeyemi says:

    Dear DataFlair team, you are really doing a great Job. I’ve not seen an online tutorial like this before. Thanks.

    Please where can I find my assignments and how will I submit it

  8. subramaniam laxshika says:

    This really useful and it is easy to understand…😊😊😊

  9. Zahemen Bagena says:

    Learning never ends.
    Got Clearfield on string format.
    Well I use to go with “.format()” but got to know other. %s, f-string . Thanks

  10. Edwin Murita says:

    Very insightful!

  11. Asfaw Abiyot getachew says:

    Say to thankyou. I got how to start with python.

  12. Ankush says:

    This explanation is very good and helpful for me , Thanks data flair team , i hope you grow more and give relevant content of student

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *