Python Keywords: Backbone of Python Programming
Python, renowned for its simplicity and versatility, is equipped with a set of keywords that serve as the building blocks of its syntax and structure. These keywords, also known as reserved words, hold significant importance in defining the behavior and logic of Python programs. In this blog, we will discuss Python keywords in detail.
List of 35 Python keywords
| Keyword | Description |
|---|---|
| and | A logical operator |
| as | To create an alias |
| assert | For debugging |
| break | To break out of a loop |
| class | To define a class |
| continue | To continue to the next iteration of a loop |
| def | To define a function |
| del | To delete an object |
| elif | Used in conditional statements, same as else if |
| else | Used in conditional statements |
| except | Used with exceptions, what to do when an exception occurs |
| False | Boolean value, result of comparison operations |
| finally | Used with exceptions, a block of code that will be executed no matter if there is an exception or not |
| for | To create a for loop |
| from | To import specific parts of a module |
| global | To declare a global variable |
| if | To make a conditional statement |
| import | To import a module |
| in | To check if a value is present in a list, tuple, etc. |
| is | To test if two variables are equal |
| lambda | To create an anonymous function |
| None | Represents a null value |
| nonlocal | To declare a non-local variable |
| not | A logical operator |
| or | A logical operator |
| pass | A null statement, a statement that will do nothing |
| raise | To raise an exception |
| return | To exit a function and return a value |
| True | Boolean value, result of comparison operations |
| try | To make a try…except statement |
| while | To create a while loop |
| with | Used to simplify exception handling |
| yield | To return a list of values from a generator |
Understanding Each Keyword in Detail
Boolean Logic: True, False, None
In Python, we have three special words: True, False, and None. When we say something is true, we use True, and when it’s not true, we use False. None is a bit different; it is like saying there’s nothing there at all. It is useful when we want to show that something doesn’t have a value or doesn’t exist.
Logical Operators: and, or, not
Python incorporates logical operators such as and, or, and not to facilitate logical operations within code. ‘and’ returns the first false value encountered, while ‘or’ returns the first true value. ‘not’ negates the truth value of the operand.
Control Flow: if, else, elif
The trio of if, else, and elif form the backbone of conditional statements in Python. ‘if’ initiates a conditional block, ‘else’ defines the alternative block, and ‘elif’ provides additional conditions to be evaluated.
Iteration: for, while, break, continue
Python’s iteration keywords, including for, while, break, and continue, direct the flow of loops. ‘for’ and ‘while’ enable looping mechanisms, while ‘break’ and ‘continue’ facilitate control within loops, allowing for premature termination or skipping of iterations.
Function and Class Definitions: def, class
The keywords def and class are instrumental in defining functions and classes, respectively. ‘def’ precedes the definition of a function, while ‘class’ marks the beginning of a class definition.
Context Management: with, as
Python’s ‘with’ statement, accompanied by the ‘as’ keyword, streamlines resource management and exception handling. It ensures proper initialization and cleanup of resources within a controlled context.
Error Handling: try, except, finally, raise, assert
Exception handling in Python is facilitated by keywords such as try, except, finally, raise, and assert. These keywords empower developers to anticipate and manage errors effectively, ensuring robustness and reliability in code execution.
Memory Management: del
The ‘del’ keyword in Python facilitates memory management by deleting references to objects or variables, allowing for efficient memory utilization within programs.
Global and Non-local Variables: global, nonlocal
Python supports the declaration of global and non-local variables using the keywords global and nonlocal, respectively. These keywords enable the modification and access of variables across different scopes within a program.
Conclusion
Python keywords form the essence of Python programming, dictating the flow, logic, and structure of code. We hope that our blog helped you in understanding the Python keywords in detail.
Also, checkout Exploring Python Basic Programs for Beginners