> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://python4ai.codewithsiva.dev/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Code formatting

> Keep your code clean and readable

## What is code formatting?

Writing clean, consistent code is important. Code formatting means organizing your code so it's easy to read and follows Python's style guidelines.

## Basic formatting principles

Follow these basic rules for readability:

### Indentation

Use 4 spaces for indentation (not tabs):

```python theme={null}
def greet(name):
    if name:
        print(f"Hello, {name}!")
    else:
        print("Hello!")
```

### Spacing

Add spaces around operators and after commas:

```python theme={null}
# Good
x = 1 + 2
numbers = [1, 2, 3, 4]

# Bad
x=1+2
numbers=[1,2,3,4]
```

### Blank lines

Use blank lines to separate functions and logical sections:

```python theme={null}
def first_function():
    pass


def second_function():
    pass
```

### Line length

Keep lines under 80-100 characters. Break long lines for readability:

```python theme={null}
# Good - readable
long_string = (
    "This is a very long string that "
    "spans multiple lines for readability"
)

# Bad - too long
long_string = "This is a very long string that spans multiple lines for readability but keeps going and going"
```

<Tip>
  Later in the course, you'll learn about Ruff - a tool that automatically formats your code. But understanding these basics first helps you write better code naturally.
</Tip>

## Automatic formatting with Ruff

Want to format your code automatically? Check out the Ruff guide in the tools section:

<Card title="Code quality with Ruff" icon="wand-magic-sparkles" href="/tools/code-quality">
  Automatically format and lint your code
</Card>

## What's next?

Now that you understand formatting, let's learn about variables!

<Card title="Variables" icon="arrow-right" href="/basics/variables">
  Learn how to store and use data in Python
</Card>