SyntaxError Python - Scaler Topics

Overview

Python as a programming language is known for its simplicity in syntax and smaller code length for the execution of problems. However, there are certain instances where we get errors while executing the code, one such being the Syntax error. This article comprises the ways to fix a SyntaxError Python with suitable examples.

What is syntaxError in Python?

When the interpreter comes across an invalid syntax while writing Python code, a SyntaxError is said to occur. Usually, the interpreter parses the Python code to convert it into bytecode and on encountering any invalid syntax in the parsing stage, it throws an error called the SyntaxError.

Mostly a SyntaxError Python is caused when there are some missing reserved keywords, if the spaces are found missing out, if the quotes are placed improperly, if indentations and incorrect usage of blocks, if invalid declarations, and if the function calls and definitions aren't done properly.

Example

The following syntax shows an example of a Python code throwing a SyntaxError Python.

Output:

Explanation

Here the interpreter throws an invalid syntax as a syntaxError because the print statement is expected to be in quotes as print("Lets learn Python!")

How to Catch SyntaxError Exception in Python?

To find out what part of the code leads to a syntax error, we need to use certain attributes of exception inorder to check which part of the text given as an input lead to the exception.

Example

Output:

How to Fix Invalid SyntaxError in Python?

To fix syntaxError in Python, we can check the messages and warnings appearing in the IDE and can eliminate the code containing errors. Also, once the code gets executed, then the exceptions thrown can help us to know more specifically where the error occurred and can be rectified. For example, if we consider the previous example, then the traceback helped us to rectify the error of not placing the statement under quotes.

Syntax Error Python Examples

The below code produces a syntax error as there's a comma missing after Abhi.

Output:

The following code results into a syntax error since the for a keyword is misspelled.

Output:

Conclusion

Syntax error occurs when the interpreter shows invalid syntax on executing the Python code.
A syntax error occurs due to missed reserved keywords, spaces, quotes placed improperly, indentations and incorrect usage of blocks, invalid declarations, and if the function calls and definitions aren't done properly.
Syntax errors can be fixed by looking into the tracebacks, exceptions, and messages, and warnings on the IDE.
To avoid Syntax errors, check for minute errors while writing the code.