Python's syntax requires special handling in the construction of a Python editor mode. Two issues are particular to Python:

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See also HowToEditPythonCode for concrete examples of editor configuration.

== Indentation ==

Python uses indentation to group statements. A well-designed mode should offer support for smart indentation of code. For example, a line beginning with the keyword `def` and ending with `:` should cause the editor to indent the following line upon hitting of the return key.

The most widely used standard is four-space indent. Using tabs is discouraged, so the editor should be configured to convert tabs to spaces.

Code examples or references on how to deal with indentation should follow.

== Strings ==

Python supports three types of string literals. Strings can be enclosed in single quotes (`'`), double quotes (`"`) and in groups of three single or double quotes (referred to as triple-quoted strings). A well-designed mode should support all three types. In particular, a mode should correctly recognize that triple-quoted strings can include unescaped newlines and quotes.

Python allows for raw strings without \-escape sequences (written with a preceding r: `r"c:\dir1\dir2"`). A well-designed mode should support this feature as well.

== EditorConfig ==

An emerging standard for describing the configuration of code editors in a portable way is [[https://editorconfig.org|EditorConfig]]. 
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CategoryEditors