Python pass Statement

The Python pass statement is a null statement. But the difference between pass and comment is that comment is ignored by the interpreter whereas pass is not ignored. 

The Syntax of the pass statement

pass

What is pass statement in Python?

When the user does not know what code to write, So user simply places a pass at that line. Sometimes, the pass is used when the user doesn’t want any code to execute. So users can simply place a pass where empty code is not allowed, like in loops, function definitions, class definitions, or in if statements. So using a pass statement user avoids this error.

Why Python Needs “pass” Statement?

If we do not use pass or simply enter a comment or a blank here, we will receive an IndentationError error message.

Output:

IndentationError: expected an indented block after 'if' statement

Examples of Python pass statement

Let’s see some of the examples to understand pass statements in Python more clearly.

Use of pass keyword in Function

Python Pass keyword can be used in empty functions. To read more click here

Use of pass keyword in Python Class

The pass keyword can also be used in an empty class in Python.

Use of pass keyword in Python Loop 

The pass keyword can be used in Python for loop, when a user doesn’t know what to code inside the loop in Python.

Use of pass keyword in Conditional statement

Python pass keyword can be used with conditional statements.

Let’s take another example in which the pass statement gets executed when the condition is true.

Output:

b
c
d

To read more on Python Continue and Python Break.

Python The pass Keyword in If

In the first example, the pass statement is used as a placeholder inside an if statement. If the condition in the if statement is true, no action is taken, but the program will not raise a syntax error because the pass statement is present.

In the second example, the pass statement is used inside a function definition as a placeholder for implementation. This is useful when defining a function that will be used later, but for which the implementation has not yet been written.

In the third example, the pass statement is used inside a class definition as a placeholder for implementation. This is useful when defining a class that will be used later, but for which the implementation has not yet been written.

Note that in all cases, the pass statement is followed by a colon (:) to indicate the start of a code block, but there is no code inside the block. This is what makes it a placeholder statement.

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