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Course Outline

Indentation: Buggy Code in Python - Time Complexity: O(1)


We've written a program and expected it to print:

1
2

but we get a different output. Fix our code so that it prints what we want.

Understanding the Problem

The core challenge here is to identify and correct the indentation error in the given Python code. Indentation is crucial in Python as it defines the scope of loops, conditionals, functions, and other blocks of code. A common pitfall is misaligning the indentation, which can lead to unexpected behavior or errors.

Approach

To solve this problem, we need to carefully examine the provided code and ensure that the indentation is consistent and logical. Here’s a step-by-step approach:

  1. Identify the current indentation of each line of code.
  2. Determine the logical structure of the code (e.g., loops, conditionals).
  3. Adjust the indentation to reflect the correct structure.

Algorithm

Given the simplicity of the problem, the algorithm involves just a few steps:

  1. Read the provided code.
  2. Correct the indentation to ensure the code executes as intended.
  3. Verify the output matches the expected result.

Code Implementation

Here is the corrected Python code:

# Original buggy code
# print(1)
#  print(2)

# Corrected code
print(1)
print(2)

Explanation:

  • The original code had inconsistent indentation, which caused it to not execute as expected.
  • By aligning both print statements at the same indentation level, we ensure they are executed sequentially.

Complexity Analysis

The time complexity of this solution is O(1) because the number of operations is constant and does not depend on any input size. The space complexity is also O(1) as no additional space is required.

Edge Cases

For this specific problem, there are no significant edge cases to consider since the task is to correct a simple indentation error. However, in more complex scenarios, edge cases could involve varying levels of nested structures.

Testing

To test the solution, simply run the corrected code and verify the output:

# Expected output:
# 1
# 2

print(1)
print(2)

If the output matches the expected result, the code is correctly indented.

Thinking and Problem-Solving Tips

When dealing with indentation issues in Python:

  • Always ensure consistent use of spaces or tabs (preferably spaces).
  • Use an IDE or text editor that highlights indentation levels.
  • Regularly run and test your code to catch indentation errors early.

Conclusion

Indentation errors are a common issue in Python, but they can be easily fixed by carefully aligning the code. Understanding the importance of indentation and practicing good coding habits can help prevent such errors.

Additional Resources