✍️ Python Basic Syntax – A Complete Beginner’s Guide (2025)

Understanding Python syntax is the first step toward writing clean, working code. Python is known for its simple and readable syntax, which is why it’s often recommended for beginners.

This guide covers the most essential elements of Python syntax you must learn first.

🔑 What Is Python Syntax?

Syntax in programming is like grammar in human language — it defines how you write code so that the interpreter understands and executes it.

Python’s syntax emphasizes:

• ✅ Readability
• ✅ Indentation
• ✅ Minimal punctuation

1️⃣ Python Statements

Python code is written using statements, usually one per line.

print("Hello, World!")

Each line is a complete instruction. Python does not require semicolons (;) at the end of lines (though you can use them optionally).

2️⃣ Indentation Matters in Python

In most languages, indentation is just for readability.
❗ In Python, indentation is syntax — it defines code blocks.

Example:

if True:
    print("This is indented")
    print("This will run")

❌ Wrong:

if True:
print("This will cause IndentationError")

✅ Default indent is 4 spaces.

3️⃣ Comments in Python

• Use # for single-line comments
• Use triple quotes for multi-line documentation strings (not official multi-line comments)

Example:

# This is a comment
print("Hello")  # Comment after code

""" 
This is a 
multi-line docstring
"""

4️⃣ Case Sensitivity

Python is case-sensitive:

name = "Alice"
Name = "Bob"
print(name)  # Alice

💡 name and Name are different variables!

5️⃣ Variables and Assignment

You do not need to declare the type of a variable.

x = 10          # int
y = "Python"    # str
z = 3.14        # float

Use = to assign values. Variables are created when first assigned.

6️⃣ String and Number Syntax

Strings:

name = "Alice"
greeting = 'Hello'
quote = '''This is a
multi-line string'''

Numbers:

age = 25        # int
pi = 3.14159    # float

Python supports integer, float, and complex numbers.

7️⃣ Python Blocks (Code Structure)

In Python, a code block is started using a : (colon) and continued by indenting lines beneath it.

Example:

if 10 > 5:
    print("10 is greater than 5")
    print("Inside the if block")

Other block-starting keywords:

• if, else, elif
• for, while
• def, class
• try, except

8️⃣ Function Syntax

Define functions using the def keyword:

def greet(name):
    print("Hello, " + name)

Then call it like:

greet("Alice")

9️⃣ Python Identifiers – Naming Rules

✅ Valid:

user_name = "John"
_total = 100
count123 = 10

❌ Invalid:

123total = 50    # Starts with a number
my-name = "Joe"  # Uses dash (-), not allowed

Rules:

• Must begin with a letter or underscore
• Cannot use special characters like @, -, %
• Python keywords (like if, for) cannot be variable names

🔟 Keywords in Python

Python has reserved words that you cannot use as variable names:

False, True, None, and, or, not, if, elif, else,
for, while, def, return, break, continue, class, try, except...

✅ Summary – Python Basic Syntax Cheat Sheet

❓ FAQs – Python Basic Syntax

❓ What is basic syntax in Python?

Python’s basic syntax includes rules for how you write Python code—such as indentation, statements, variable assignments, and using colons (:) to start code blocks.

❓ Do I need to use semicolons in Python?

No. Python does not require semicolons at the end of statements. You can use them optionally to write multiple statements on one line, but it’s not recommended.

❓ Why is indentation important in Python?

Unlike many languages, Python uses indentation to define code blocks. If you don’t indent properly, Python will raise an IndentationError.

❓ Is Python case-sensitive?

Yes. Variable, variable, and VARIABLE are considered completely different identifiers in Python.

❓ What are Python keywords?

Python keywords are reserved words that have special meaning and cannot be used as variable names. Examples include: if, else, while, for, def, class, etc.

❓ How do I write a comment in Python?

Use the # symbol for single-line comments. For multi-line comments, you can use triple quotes:

# This is a single-line comment

"""
This is a
multi-line comment
"""