IndentationError unindent does not match any outer indentation level error writing a Python program

Certainly! An IndentationError: unindent does not match any outer indentation level error is a common issue encountered while writing Python code. It usually indicates a problem with the indentation of the code, particularly when the spaces or tabs used for indentation are not consistent. This error occurs when the Python interpreter expects a block of indented code but finds an incorrect or inconsistent indentation level.
Let's walk through an informative tutorial on how to handle this error in PyCharm IDE with examples to illustrate the issue.
This error generally occurs due to the mix of spaces and tabs or inconsistent use of indentation. Python relies on indentation to define the scope of blocks of code (such as loops, conditionals, functions, etc.). Mixing spaces and tabs can lead to this error.
Ensure that you are using consistent indentation throughout your code. In Python, it's recommended to use spaces for indentation rather than tabs. This is a common source of this error.
Example of consistent indentation:
Mixing tabs and spaces can cause indentation inconsistencies. Configure your IDE to replace tabs with spaces or ensure consistent use throughout your code.
Find the line or block of code causing the error by reviewing the code in the area where the error is reported. Sometimes, an error in one line might affect the indentation in subsequent lines.
PyCharm has built-in features to help avoid indentation errors. Enable the 'show whitespaces' option to visualize spaces and tabs in your code. This can assist in identifying and correcting any indentation inconsistencies.
Let's create a sample Python code in PyCharm that generates the IndentationError: unindent does not match any outer indentation level:
In the above code, the indentation of the second print statement is inconsistent. It contains an extra space which causes the error.
IndentationError: unindent does not match any outer indentation level in Python, often encountered in PyCharm, typically points to inconsistencies in code indentation. It's crucial to maintain uniform indentation (preferably using spaces) to prevent this error.
By following these steps and paying attention to your code's indentation, you can effectively address the IndentationError in PyCharm or any Python environment.
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