Understanding IndentationError: expected an indented block in Python Code

Discover the common cause of the `IndentationError` in Python and learn how to fix it effectively. Improve your coding skills with our structured guide!
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Understanding IndentationError: expected an indented block in Python Code

When working with Python, you may encounter various types of errors. One particularly common error is the dreaded IndentationError: expected an indented block. This error can be perplexing, especially for beginners who are still becoming familiar with Python's whitespace-sensitive syntax. In this guide, we'll break down this error, explore its causes, and offer a clear solution to get your code back on track.

What is IndentationError?

An IndentationError occurs when the Python interpreter expects an indented block of code, but it finds something that doesn't match its indentation rules. Python uses indentation to define the scope and structure of code blocks, such as those within functions or classes. This means that every block of code must be indented consistently, or the interpreter will raise an error.

The Problem: Code Example

Let’s take a look at the example provided by a user who faced the IndentationError:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

The Error Message

When executing this code, the user received the following error message:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

This indicates that the Python interpreter encountered a spot where it expected to see an indented code block, but it found something improperly indented instead.

Analyzing the Issue

The root of the problem lies in how docstrings (triple-quoted strings) are treated in Python. A docstring is not merely a comment; it is an expression and therefore requires proper indentation just like any other code within a function or class.

Key Points to Remember

Docstrings must be indented: Every docstring should be correctly indented within its function or method.

Whitespace sensitivity: Python is very particular about how indentation is used; even an extra space can lead to errors.

Solution: Correcting the Code

To resolve the IndentationError, we should ensure that the docstrings are correctly indented in accordance with Python's indentation rules. Here’s the corrected version of the code:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Summary of Changes

Indented the docstring for __init__ and __call__ methods to match the Python code structure.

Ensured consistent indentation throughout the code block.

Conclusion

Indentation errors in Python can be frustrating, but they are easy to resolve once you understand the rules of indentation and the significance of docstrings. By carefully managing your code's structure and ensuring proper indentation, you can avoid these errors and improve your coding skills overall. Keep practicing, and remember: indentation is not just a style choice in Python; it's a fundamental part of the language!