Python IndentationError: Unexpected Indent - Quick Fix Solutions

Getting the dreaded "IndentationError: unexpected indent" in Python? This error is one of the most common issues beginners face when learning Python indentation rules. Let's quickly diagnose and fix this debugging nightmare.

What Causes the Unexpected Indent Error? #

The Python indentation error unexpected indent occurs when your code has inconsistent spacing or mixed indentation styles. Python expects consistent indentation throughout your code blocks.

Common Scenarios and Quick Fixes #

1. Mixed Tabs and Spaces #

Problem:

def my_function():
    print("First line with 4 spaces")
    print("Second line with tab")  # IndentationError!

Solution: Configure your editor to show whitespace and use only spaces (4 spaces is Python standard):

def my_function():
    print("First line with 4 spaces")
    print("Second line with 4 spaces")  # Fixed!

2. Inconsistent Indentation Levels #

Problem:

if True:
    print("Correct indentation")
      print("Too many spaces")  # IndentationError!

Solution:

if True:
    print("Correct indentation")
    print("Consistent 4 spaces")  # Fixed!

3. No Indentation After Colon #

Problem:

def hello():
print("Missing indentation")  # IndentationError!

Solution:

def hello():
    print("Proper indentation after colon")  # Fixed!

Debugging Steps for Indentation Errors #

Step 1: Enable Whitespace Visibility #

Most editors have an option to show tabs and spaces:

• VS Code: View → Render Whitespace
• PyCharm: Settings → Editor → Whitespace
• Sublime Text: View → Show Console → Show Tabs

Step 2: Check Line by Line #

Look at the exact line mentioned in the error message. Compare it with the previous line's indentation.

Step 3: Use Python's -tt Flag #

Run your script with extra tab checking:

python -tt your_script.py

This flag makes Python stricter about tab/space mixing.

Prevention Tips #

1. Configure your editor to insert 4 spaces when you press Tab
2. Use consistent indentation throughout your entire file
3. Enable indentation guides in your code editor
4. Use a linter like flake8 or pylint to catch issues early

Quick Fix Commands #

For VS Code users, use these commands:

• Ctrl+Shift+P → "Convert Indentation to Spaces"
• Ctrl+Shift+P → "Convert Indentation to Tabs"

When to Use Different Indentation #

Python allows both tabs and spaces, but never mix them:

• Spaces: Recommended (PEP 8 standard)
• Tabs: Acceptable if used consistently

Summary #

Python indentation error unexpected indent debugging is straightforward once you understand the rules:

• Use consistent indentation (4 spaces recommended)
• Never mix tabs and spaces
• Enable whitespace visibility in your editor
• Use Python's -tt flag for debugging

Most indentation errors happen because of editor configuration issues or copy-pasting code from different sources with different indentation styles.