Python Syntax Basics

Syntax means the spelling rules of Python.

Like grammar for a language you speak.

If a line breaks a rule, Python stops and asks you to fix it.

Good news: the rules are few and friendly.

Indentation is the big rule

Python uses spaces at the start of a line to show groups.

Think of nest boxes. Nested toys sit inside the bigger box.

Lines under if, for, or def must be pushed in.

Usually people use 4 spaces.

Colons start a block

A colon : means, next lines belong to me.

You see it after if, else, for, while, and def.

Comments are notes for humans

A hash mark starts a comment.

Python ignores that part.

Use comments like sticky notes on a recipe.

Statements and newlines

Most of the time, one idea gets one line.

Python reads top to bottom, like a story.

Case matters

Print and print are not the same.

Python is picky about big and small letters.

Built-in tools use lowercase names, like print.

Quotes for text

Text needs quotes.

Single or double quotes both work.

Pick one style and stay with it in a file.

Tip: When Python complains about indent, check spaces under the colon line.