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Python Keywords

Syntax Satellite

Python Keywords

Keywords are reserved by the language. Know them so you don't accidentally reuse them or misunderstand their semantics.

Keyword table

Keywords (Python 3.12)
KeywordPurpose
and / or / notLogical operators
if / elif / elseConditionals
for / while / break / continueLoops
match / casePattern matching
def / return / yield / lambdaFunctions & generators
classDefine classes
try / except / finally / raiseError handling
withContext managers
import / from / asModule management
global / nonlocalScope controls
passEmpty placeholder
True / False / NoneSingleton constants

See keyword.kwlist for the authoritative set at runtime.

Examples

import keyword
print(keyword.kwlist)

Avoid using keywords as variable names. IDEs usually highlight them in distinct colors.

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