How many characters should lines generally be limited to in Python code?

How many characters should lines generally be limited to in Python code?

• A. 100 characters
• B. 79 characters
• C. 66 characters
• D. 80 characters

Answer: (B)

In Python, and more broadly in programming, it is recommended to limit lines of code to 79 characters. This guideline is outlined in PEP 8, which is the style guide for Python code. The rationale behind this recommendation includes improving code readability and ensuring that the code can be easily viewed and understood on various devices, including standard-sized screens and printed formats. By adhering to this limit, developers can create cleaner and more maintainable code, making it easier for others (or themselves in the future) to read and understand the logic without the need for horizontal scrolling or excessive word-wrapping in text editors. While options like 80 characters might seem close to the recommendation and is often cited for various programming languages, PEP 8 specifically pinpoints 79 characters as the ideal limit for typical source lines. This small distinction underscores the importance of following established conventions in the Python community.

In Python, and more broadly in programming, it is recommended to limit lines of code to 79 characters. This guideline is outlined in PEP 8, which is the style guide for Python code. The rationale behind this recommendation includes improving code readability and ensuring that the code can be easily viewed and understood on various devices, including standard-sized screens and printed formats. By adhering to this limit, developers can create cleaner and more maintainable code, making it easier for others (or themselves in the future) to read and understand the logic without the need for horizontal scrolling or excessive word-wrapping in text editors.

While options like 80 characters might seem close to the recommendation and is often cited for various programming languages, PEP 8 specifically pinpoints 79 characters as the ideal limit for typical source lines. This small distinction underscores the importance of following established conventions in the Python community.