Einrückungsfehler

Einrückungsfehler, also known as indentation errors, are a common type of syntax error in programming languages that rely on indentation to define code blocks, most notably Python. In these languages, the number of spaces or tabs used to indent a line of code is significant. It dictates which statements belong to a particular loop, function, or conditional block. When the indentation is inconsistent or incorrect, the interpreter or compiler cannot correctly parse the program's structure, leading to an error.

These errors can manifest in several ways. For example, mixing spaces and tabs within the same file can cause issues, as different editors may interpret them differently. Incorrectly indenting a line, either by too much or too little, can also trigger an einrückungsfehler. This often happens when adding or removing lines within an existing indented block, or when attempting to create a new block without proper indentation.

The consequences of an einrückungsfehler range from the program failing to run at all to exhibiting unexpected behavior. Because indentation carries structural meaning, a small error in spacing can lead to a completely altered program logic. Debugging these errors typically involves carefully examining the spacing of each line in the relevant section of code, ensuring consistency and adherence to the language's indentation rules. Many modern code editors provide features to visualize indentation or automatically correct it, helping to prevent and resolve these errors.