When learning Python, you will learn variables, conditions, loops, and functions.

But there is one important thing you should understand: Indentation.

What is indentation?

Indentation means adding spaces at the beginning of a line.

Example:

if 10 > 5: print("Hello Python!")

Notice the spaces before print().

These spaces tell Python that the print() statement belongs inside the if condition.

What happens if we don't use indentation? 

if 10 > 5: print("Hello Python!")

This code gives an IndentationError.

Why? Because Python expects spaces before the code inside the if condition.

Why is indentation important?

In Java, we use curly braces {} to separate code blocks.

if (10 > 5) { System.out.println("Hello"); }

But Python uses indentation instead.

if 10 > 5: print("Hello")

Where do we use indentation?

We use indentation in:

1. If conditions

if True: print("Correct")

2. Loops

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

3. Functions

def greet(): print("Welcome!")

Tips to remember

  • Use 4 spaces for each indentation level.
  • Keep statements in the same block aligned.
  • Don't mix tabs and spaces.
  • Check indentation when you get an error.

Try this challenge!

Find the mistake in this code:

if 10 > 5: print("Hello") print("Python")

Can you fix it?