Python keywords

Python is a popular high-level programming language that has gained immense popularity in recent years. One of the key features of Python is its use of keywords, which are predefined words that have special meaning within the language. In this article, we will explore what Python keywords are and how they work.

What are Python Keywords?

Python keywords are reserved words that have a specific meaning within the language. They are used to define various elements such as variables, loops, functions, and other programming constructs. These keywords cannot be used as variable names or identifiers within a Python program.

There are 35 keywords in Python, all of which are case-sensitive. This means that ‘if’ and ‘IF’ are two different keywords with different meanings. Here is a list of all the keywords in Python:

False

await

else

import

pass

None

break

except

in

raise

True

class

finally

is

return

and

continue

for

lambda

try

as

def

from

nonlocal

while

assert

del

global

not

with

async

elif

if

or

yield

How Do Python Keywords Work?

Python keywords work by creating specific rules and syntaxes that define how different programming constructs should behave. For example, the ‘if’ keyword is used to define conditional statements in Python, while the ‘while’ keyword is used to define loops.

Using a keyword in a Python program creates a specific behavior within the program. For example, using the ‘break’ keyword in a loop will cause the loop to terminate prematurely. Similarly, using the ‘def’ keyword to define a function will create a new function within the program.

It is important to note that Python keywords cannot be used as variable names or identifiers within a Python program. This is because they already have a predefined meaning within the language, and using them as variable names would create confusion and errors within the program.

Conclusion

Python keywords are an essential part of the language that allow programmers to define various programming constructs with ease. By providing a set of predefined words that have specific meanings within the language, Python ensures that programs are consistent and easy to understand. It is important to keep in mind that Python keywords cannot be used as variable names or identifiers within a program.