The Zen of Python is a collection of guiding principles for Python’s design, articulated as a set of aphorisms by Tim Peters. These principles prioritize simplicity, readability, and practicality.
Key Aphorisms
- Explicit is better than implicit: Code should be straightforward and transparent.
- Simple is better than complex: Prefer simplicity when solving problems.
- Complex is better than complicated: If complexity is necessary, avoid unnecessary complications.
- Flat is better than nested: Minimize levels of nesting in code for better readability.
- Readability counts: Prioritize clarity and readability in code design.
- Errors should never pass silently (unless explicitly silenced): Handle exceptions appropriately.
- There should be one and preferably only one obvious way to do it: Encourage standard solutions over creative but unclear ones.
- Namespaces are one honking great idea - let’s do more of those!: Namespaces prevent conflicts and keep code organized.
Easter Egg: Viewing The Zen of Python
You can view the Zen of Python directly in Python by typing:
import this
Output:
The Zen of Python, by Tim Peters
Explicit is better than implicit.
Simple is better than complex.
Complex is better than complicated.
Flat is better than nested.
Sparse is better than dense.
Readability counts.
Special cases aren't special enough to break the rules.
Although practicality beats purity.
Errors should never pass silently.
Unless explicitly silenced.
In the face of ambiguity, refuse the temptation to guess.
There should be one-- and preferably only one --obvious way to do it.
Although that way may not be obvious at first unless you're Dutch.
Now is better than never.
Although never is often better than *right* now.
If the implementation is hard to explain, it's a bad idea.
If the implementation is easy to explain, it may be a good idea.
Namespaces are one honking great idea -- let's do more of those!
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