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Real Python: How to Write Beautiful Python Code With PEP 8

PEP 8 is the official style guide for Python code, providing guidelines on naming conventions, code layout, and best practices to enhance code readability and consistency. The guide was written by Guido van Rossum, Barry Warsaw, and Alyssa Coghlan in 2001, with the goal of making Python code more readable and maintainable. By following PEP 8, developers can ensure their code is collaborative and professional, making it easier for others to understand and work with. PEP 8 recommends using snake case for variable names, with lowercase words separated by underscores, and camel case for class names, with each word starting with a capital letter. The guide is still relevant in modern Python development and is recommended for all Python developers, from beginners to experienced programmers. PEP 8 is one of many Python Enhancement Proposals, which are documents that describe new features, design, and style guidelines for the Python language. The guide emphasizes the importance of readability, simplicity, and clarity in code, with the Zen of Python stating that "readability counts" and "explicit is better than implicit". Following PEP 8 can make learning Python more pleasant, especially for beginners, and is crucial for collaboration and professional development. Writing readable code shows professionalism and is essential for developers looking for a job or working on collaborative projects. Overall, PEP 8 provides a set of guidelines and best practices that can help developers write clean, readable, and consistent Python code.
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