What is Syntax in Python?

Every Programming language includes syntax which is the basis of the coding. Python Syntax is easy to understand, write and read similarly to the English language.

In this article, you will learn all about Syntax of python but before that let’s learn what is Syntax.

What is Syntax?

Syntax refers to the structure of any particular programming language which includes a certain set of rules, elements and subjective. These rules, elements, and subjective are used to write that specific language.

The python syntax is a part of python fundamental that comprises a set of rules and elements which combinations are called python syntax.

Python Syntax: An Overview

Python syntax controls the layout of the keywords, symbols, punctuation, and other tokens in the Python programming language. Through which a programmer becomes able to provide proper input and get the right output.

Without the syntax, it’ll not be possible to make the interpreter understand  through the logical codes what the programmer wants to convey to the computer.

Python syntax is like the grammar of the English language which tells which tense, article, predisposition, pronoun you need to use and for what purpose.

Like to be proficient in the English language, you need to learn English grammar, to code in Python, you’ll require to understand the python syntax.

Core Principles of Python syntax

1. Indentation

Indentation in python refers to the leading whitespace (spaces or/and tabs) before any statement. The Indentation helps the programming language in understanding that statements preceded by the same number of whitespaces is a single code block. Moreover, the indentation also makes the python programming language easy to read.

You must know indentation in python works similarly as curly braces work for C, C++ software languages.

2. Keywords

Every programming language includes some reserved words, or keywords, which have specific meanings and restrictions around how they should be used. In Python, there are approx 35 keywords such as False, await, else, import, pass etc,. These keywords can’t be used for ordinary work but for a specific purpose.

3. Data Types

Data types are an important component of a programming language. It tells the programming language what operations it can perform on a particular data. In Python, the data types are classes and variables. It can be Numeric, Sequence Type, Mapping Type, Boolean, Set, Dictionary, and Binary Types.

4. Operators

Operators in the programming language decide what operations should be taken. For example, if there is  + it means the addition sign is operator in Python. Python divides the operators in the multiple groups including Arithmetic, Assignment, Comparison, Logical, Identity, Membership and Bitwise operators.

5. Statements

Statement in python refers to the instruction which the python interpreter needs to execute. It derives outcome for programming language. In Python, there are two kinds of statements- Print and assignment. Print statements give the result in value. Assignment statement does not give a result.

6. Comments

Python comments help the programmer to explain Python code, make the code more readable or explain complex concepts. The python comment starts with hash (#) and can be in three types including as a separate line, beside the corresponding statement of code, or as a multi-line comment block.

Common Syntax Errors in Python

Just like English Grammar mistakes, in python language also some errors can occur. The error can happen because of the programmer’s fault or misunderstanding of a concept or syntax.

If a programmer makes an error with syntax, it’s called syntax error.

Some common python syntax error are:

• leaving empty block
• putting a keyword at the wrong place
• Missing a symbol, such as a colon, comma or brackets
• misspelling a keyword
• incorrect indentation

Tools for Syntax Checking and Code Analysis

Syntax check tools help you know if you have made any mistake while coding in python. Here are 5 syntax checking tools.

1. SonarQube

SonarQube is a self-managed, free and open source tool. It easily integrates into the development platforms and detects the error and helps to fix code issues. Its paid version  is available with more features.

2. ANTLR

ANTLR stands for “ANother Tool for Language Recognition” which is a widely used programming language error detector. It is known for its high quality, scalability, flexibility, and ease of use.

3. Bison & Flex

Bison, a popular, open-source software community tool, is a part of GNU Compiler Collection (GCC). Generally Bison gets used with Flex to build compilers and interpreters. The Bison and Flex are both known for ease of use and speed.

4. DeepSource

DeepSource is one of the fastest  static analysis tools. It helps to detect quality and security issues in code easily.

5. Veracode

Built on a SaaS model, Veracode is a static analysis tool. It uses binary code to analyse the code from a security point of view.

How to learn Python Syntax from Basics

IT training institutes offer language specialised courses. You can enrol with them to learn python syntax, python fundamentals and development in python programming language. Moreover, you can also learn python through free online courses, videos, or pdfs available online.