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Last Updated: Jun 30, 2023
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Invalid Syntax in Python: Common Reasons for SyntaxError

Author Urwashi Priya
0 upvote

Introduction

Let’s start discussing the invalid syntax in Python, which leads to Syntax errors. First of all, let us have a brief introduction to Python and the reasons behind this error. 

invalid syntax

Python is written in a very layman language. A newbie coder could learn Python easily compared to any other language. So, what happens is if a person switches from another language, syntax changes which leads to confusion and results in the formation of error.

So, here we will be discussing all possible errors made. We will also discuss how to avoid them. Let’s start understanding what is invalid Syntax in Python or common reasons for syntax errors in Python.

You can also read about the Multilevel Inheritance in Python, Swapcase in Python

Invalid Syntax in Python

While running our code, when the output doesn’t display on our screen, most certainly, it’s a syntax error. 

invalid image

In other words, when the python interpreter fails to give the output on the screen, this arises the case of invalid syntax. The interpreter also shows the line number where the error has occurred. This helps in traceback and correcting errors.

Now we will be discussing common reasons for syntax errors in python.

Missing of brackets

print("Hello world."

 

output screen image

 

Here we can see that the output screen clearly shows that a bracket is missing at the end.

Inconsistent indentation

def one():
    return 1

def two():
    return 2
    
print("Choose operation.")
print("1.Return 1")
print("2.Return 2")

while True:
    choice = input("Enter 1 or 2: ")
    if choice in ('1', '2'):
#incorrect indentation
    if choice == '1':
            print("1")

        elif choice == '2':
            print("2") 
        
        next = input("Print again? (yes/no): ")
        if next == "no":
          break
    
    else:
        print("Invalid Input")

 

output screen image

Indentation plays an important role in python code. Wrong indentation results in an error in Python. Here, the output screen indicates where indentation is wrongly used.

Missing of Colon

#Missing of colon
def one()
    return 1

def two():
    return 2

print("Choose operation.")
print("1.Return 1")
print("2.Return 2")

while True:
    choice = input("Enter 1 or 2: ")
    if choice in ('1', '2'):
    if choice == '1':
            print("1")

        elif choice == '2':
            print("2") 
        
        next = input("Print again? (yes/no): ")
        if next == "no":
          break
    
    else:
        print("Invalid Input")
       

 

output screen image

After any function or compound statement such as if, else, while, for, the colon is required after the condition.

Also see,  Convert String to List Python

Using keywords as a variable name

def one():
    return 1

def two():
    return 2

print("Choose operation.")
print("1.Return 1")
print("2.Return 2")

while True:
    #keyword used as a variable name
    def = input("Enter 1 or 2: ")
    if def in ('1', '2'):
        if def == '1':
            print("1")

        elif def == '2':
            print("2") 
        
        next = input("Print again? (yes/no): ")
        if next == "no":
          break
    
    else:
        print("Invalid Input")

 

output screen image

def is a keyword in Python. So, using it results in invalid syntax.

Not Understanding the difference between “=” and “==”

def one():
    return 1

def two():
    return 2

print("Choose operation.")
print("1.Return 1")
print("2.Return 2")

while True:
    #using == instead of =
    def == input("Enter 1 or 2: ")
    if def in ('1', '2'):
        if def == '1':
            print("1")

        elif def == '2':
            print("2") 
        
        next = input("Print again? (yes/no): ")
        if next == "no":
          break
    
    else:
        print("Invalid Input")
        

 

output screen image

 

“=” is used for assigning something, and “==” is used for checking the equality condition.

Non-Matching Quotation marks

print("Hello World')
output screen image

If the string contained in quotation marks starts with double quotes, it should end with double quotes.

In Python code, indentation plays the most important part. Make sure that your code is well indented. You can try it on online python compiler.


It's time to discuss some FAQs related to the Invalid Syntax in Python.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do you mean by Syntax in Python?

Syntax generally refers to a set of rules predefined to be followed to come up with the correct output.

How can one fix the invalid syntax in Python?

Read the error message properly. Tracebacks are good enough to find the reason for mistakes in your code.

What are the different types of programming errors?

Basically, there are three different types of programming errors: Syntax error, Runtime error and logical errors.

Why is Python used widely?

Python is a very simple programming language widely used in data analysis, mainly in Machine learning and artificial intelligence.

Conclusion

We have discussed the Invalid Syntax in Python, including its example and the error that would be displayed on the output screen. 

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