Python error explained
SyntaxError: what it means and how to fix it
Python could not read your code at all, so nothing ran.
The message
SyntaxError: expected ':'What it means
Python reads the whole file before running any of it. A SyntaxError means it hit something that is not valid Python, so it stopped before the first line ran. The arrow (^) in the message points at where Python got confused, which is often just after the real mistake.
Common causes
- A missing colon at the end of if, elif, else, for, while, def or class lines
- A missing closing bracket or quote, which makes the error appear on the next line
- Using = (store) where you meant == (compare) inside an if
- A stray character, like a smart quote pasted from a document
Example that raises it
score = 72
if score >= 50
print("Pass")
else:
print("Try again")
The fix
score = 72
if score >= 50:
print("Pass")
else:
print("Try again")
Tip: If the line Python points at looks fine, look at the line above it. An unclosed bracket or quote there is the usual culprit.
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