SyntaxError

A Python program must have correct syntax. If it does not, a SyntaxError will occur—and the program will not be executed.

This error, unlike other errors, does not terminate a running program—an "except" statement cannot handle it. We must correct the error before our program can run.

This program loops over a list of cat names. But in the for-statement, the trailing colon is missing. This results in a SyntaxError, which politely points out the missing colon character.

cats = ["Fluffy", "Mildred", "Joe"]
for cat in cats
    print(cat)
  File "C:\programs\file.py", line 5
    for cat in cats
                  ^
SyntaxError: invalid syntax

In this version of the program, no error occurs. The names of the three cats are correctly looped over and displayed to the console with the print statement.

cats = ["Fluffy", "Mildred", "Joe"]
for cat in cats:
    print(cat)
Fluffy
Mildred
Joe

Try

A SyntaxError is not like other errors in Python. It cannot be handled in a try and except construct. There is no way to force the program to run correctly.

Summary

This error is a form of "compile-time" error: one that stops a program from ever being run. These errors prevent incorrect programs from ever causing trouble in the world.