How To Resolve The Unexpected Indent Error In Python

In Python, indentation is crucial for defining blocks of code, such as loops, conditionals, and functions. The Unexpected Indent Error occurs when there is an indentation-related issue in your code that Python cannot interpret correctly. This error typically happens when the indentation is inconsistent or there is a mix of tabs and spaces.

What is Unexpected Indent Error?

The Unexpected Indent Error is a common syntax error in Python that occurs when the interpreter encounters an indentation that it does not expect. Python relies on consistent indentation to define the structure of the code, and any unexpected changes can lead to this error.

Syntax :

IndentationError: expected an indented block

Why does Unexpected Indent Error occur?

Below, are the reasons for occuring Unexpected Indent Errors in Python.

• unexpected indent
• expected indented block
• unindent does not match

Unexpected Indent

In this example, the below code has an Unexpected Indent Error because the `print` statement lacks proper indentation under the `my_function` definition.

Python3

def my_function():
print("Hello, World!")

Hangup (SIGHUP)
  File "Solution.py", line 2
    print("Hello, World!")
        ^
IndentationError: expected an indented block

expected indented block

In this example, below code has an Unexpected Indent Error. To resolve it, ensure that both `print` statements inside the `if-else` block are indented consistently, typically with four spaces or a tab.

Python3

if x > 0:
print("Positive number")
else:
print("Non-positive number")

Hangup (SIGHUP)
  File "Solution.py", line 2
    print("Positive number")
        ^
IndentationError: expected an indented block

unindent does not match

In this example below, code has an Unexpected Indent Error because the second `print` statement is indented at a different level compared to the first one inside the `my_function`.

Python3

def my_function():
  print("Indented correctly")
 print("Indented incorrectly")

Hangup (SIGHUP)
  File "Solution.py", line 3
    print("Indented incorrectly")
                                ^
IndentationError: unindent does not match any outer indentation level

Approaches/Reasons to Solve Unexpected Indent Error

Below, are the Approaches/Reasons to Solve Unexpected Indent Error .

• Consistent Indentation
• Correct Block Structure
• Check for Mismatched Indentation

Consistent Indentation

In this example, below code defines a function named `my_function` that prints “Hello, World!” when called. The indentation is correct, and there are no syntax errors.

Python3

def my_function():
    print("Hello, World!")

Correct Block Structure

In this example, below code uses an `if-else` statement to check whether the variable `x` is greater than 0. If true, it prints “Positive number”; otherwise, it prints “Non-positive number.” The indentation is correct, and there are no syntax errors.

Python3

if x > 0:
    print("Positive number")
else:
    print("Non-positive number")

Check for Mismatched Indentation

In this example, below code defines a function named `my_function` that, when called, prints “Indented correctly” twice. The indentation is correct, and there are no syntax errors.

Python3

def my_function():
    print("Indented correctly")
    print("Indented correctly")

Conclusion

In conclusion, Unexpected Indent Errors in Python are common and can be easily resolved by ensuring consistent and correct indentation. Pay attention to indentation levels, avoid mixing tabs and spaces, and make sure that the structure of your code aligns with Python’s indentation requirements. By following these practices, you can write clean and error-free Python code.