Python Syntax Cheat Sheet: A Beginner's Guide to Brackets, Colons, and Alignment

Hi guys, Shahanaz here again! As a first-year CSE student at PACE Mangalore, these are the exact syntax rules that saved my code from crashing during my lab assignments this week.

1. What is a Float?
   • Float means a decimal number, like 72.5, 98.0, or 3.14.
   • Int means a whole number, like 18 or 5.
   • Rule: Always use float(input) instead of int(input) whenever your user might type a decimal value, like college marks or percentages.

2. The Python Bracket Map
   • Parentheses ( ) are used to run functions. For example: print("Hello") or input().
   • Curly Brackets { } are used inside f-strings to print out your calculated math variables. For example: f"Total: {total}".

3. When to use a Colon :
   Think of the colon as a gateway. It tells Python that a brand new set of instructions is starting right below it. You must always put a colon at the very end of your if, elif, and else lines.

4. Code Alignment Rules
   Python tracks your code logic using vertical spaces on the left margin.
   • Your if, elif, and else statements must line up on the exact same vertical line.
   • The action words like print must be pushed inward by 4 spaces or 1 tab.
   If they do not line up perfectly, your code will fail with an IndentationError!