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Python Keywords

Python Reserved Keywords

Python keywords like def and class restrict variable naming.

What are Python Keywords?

Python keywords are reserved words that have special meanings in the language. These keywords are used to define the syntax and structure of Python programs and cannot be used as variable names, function names, or any other identifier. They are essential in enabling Python to understand the code written by developers.

List of Python Keywords

Python has a set of keywords that are reserved and cannot be used for variable naming. As of Python 3.9, there are 35 keywords. Some of the common ones include:

  • def: Used to define a function.
  • class: Used to define a class.
  • if, else, elif: Used for conditional statements.
  • for, while: Used for loops.
  • try, except: Used for exception handling.
  • import: Used to include other modules in your program.

Using Keywords in Python Code

Keywords are integral to Python's syntax. Here's a simple example demonstrating the use of several keywords:

Why Keywords Cannot Be Used as Identifiers

Using keywords as identifiers would create conflicts in the code, making it difficult for the interpreter to parse and execute the program. For instance, if you use def as a variable name, Python will not be able to distinguish whether you are trying to define a function or mistakenly used a keyword.

Checking for Keywords in Python

Python provides a built-in module called keyword that can be used to verify if a string is a keyword. This is particularly useful when dynamically generating code or when taking input for variable names. Here is how you can use it:

Conclusion

Understanding Python keywords is crucial for writing syntactically correct and functional Python code. They help define the language's structure and prevent conflicts in naming. Familiarize yourself with these keywords to avoid errors and enhance your coding efficiency.

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