If you have written code in Python and thought, “Wow, this just feels right,” you are not alone. One of the reason’s python feels so elegant and readable is because it was designed according to a set of principles known as The Zen of Python.
In this article, we are going to go deep into what the Zen of Python is, how it influences Python’s design philosophy, and how you can embrace many of the principles in your own coding endeavors.
Whether you’re just starting out or a seasoned developer, mastering these guiding expressions will enable you to write cleaner, more readable, Pythonic code.
What is the Zen of Python?
The Zen of Python is a list of 19 expressions that have been described as the guiding principles for writing computer programs in a language called Python. Written by Tim Peters, one of Python’s core developers, they are the guiding principles of Python’s design.
Inside your Python interpreter you can simply type:
import this
And you’ll be met with these beautifully written gems of wisdom.
Why the Zen of Python Matters
The Zen of Python is not just poetic; it has practical consequences. It helps developers:
- Pick up when you have more than one design in hand.
- The emphasis should be on readability and not on complexity.
- Promote consistency between codebases.
The language is designed to be readable and to write code that reads as clearly as a prose text.
The 19 expressions of the Zen of Python
1. Beautiful is better than ugly.
Code should be written beautifully and neatly so everyone could understand it easily.
2. Explicit is better than implicit.
Clear code is so much better than lengthy code.
# Bad
x = [1, 2, 3]
x += 4 # What does this do?
# Better
x.append(4)
3. Simple is better than complex.
Always go for the simplest solution for coding.
4. Complex is better than complicated.
If the complex is important, then don’t make it complicated.
5. Flat is better than nested.
Avoid too much nested code. Flat code looks much better.
# Nested
if a:
if b:
if c:
do_something()
# Flatter
if a and b and c:
do_something()
6. Sparse is better than dense.
Use multiple lines for coding instead of written everything in one line.
7. Readability counts.
Python designed for making code easy so write in the tone where the non coder read it too.
8. Special cases aren’t special enough to break the rules.
Consistency matters even when the situation seems like an exception.
9. Although practicality beats purity.
If you cannot write simple code then try to find an answer, but this should be the last option.
10. Errors should never pass silently.
Catch errors and handle them explicitly.
try:
risky_operation()
except Exception as e:
print(f”An error occurred: {e}”)
11. Unless explicitly silenced.
If you must silence an error, do it intentionally, not accidentally.
try:
risky_operation()
except:
pass # Intentionally silenced
12. When things are unclear, it’s better not to make assumptions.
Don’t make your best guess about the code’s function. Make the problem understandable or raise an exception.
13. There ought to be one—and only one—obvious path to follow.
When code is consistent, it is simpler for people to learn. Try not to use several methods for the same task.
14. Unless you’re Dutch, it’s probably not clear at the outset.
An affectionate tribute to Guido van Rossum, the Dutch creator of Python.
15. Better late than never is how I like to think about it.
There’s no need to wait until everything is perfect. Get started with coding right now.
16. It’s usually better to wait till never than to move ahead today.
Don’t act rashly based on unconsidered solutions. Don’t let pressure push you toward unwise choices.
17. A complicated plan is often not a good idea.
If you don’t understand your answer well enough to explain it, go back and reconsider your approach.
18. Easy-to-explain strategies are more likely to be a smart choice.
If your code is clear and easy to understand, it is usually the best way to do it.
19. More namespaces are definitely a terrific idea we should embrace.
By using namespaces, you no longer have to worry about things conflicting and your code will stay well-organized.
import math # math.sqrt, math.pi etc.
For more detail, read
Applying Zen to Real Python Projects 🛠️
1. Build Readable Functions
Functions should do one thing and be clearly named.
def calculate_area_of_circle(radius):
return math.pi * radius ** 2
2. Follow PEP 8
Python’s style guide, PEP 8, aligns well with the Zen. Use linters like flake8 or black to enforce it.
3. Use List Comprehensions—Wisely
Keep them readable. Don’t over-nest them.
# Good
squares = [x*x for x in range(10)]
# Avoid
nested = [[x*y for x in range(5)] for y in range(5)] # Confusing!
4. Handle Exceptions Thoughtfully
Never let errors pass silently unless you have a good reason.
How the Zen of Python Helps Teams Collaborate 🤝
It’s rare for coding projects to be done alone—teamwork is crucial for big projects in particular. Doing what Zen demands prevents:
- Quicker and more efficient reviews of code.
- Fewer bugs
- Easier introduction for upcoming developer
- Regular team workouts
Adhering to common principles makes the code easy to understand and less like a riddle, something everyone shares.
Zen of Python vs Other Language Philosophies
| Principle | Zen of Python | Other Languages |
| Readability | Top priority | Often secondary |
| Explicitness | Strongly favored | Sometimes avoided |
| Simplicity | Core value | Not always enforced |
| Community Alignment | Very strong | Varies by language |
For example, JavaScript and Perl include several approaches to handle a single problem. Python, on the other hand, chooses a single clear style, helping the code look and function the same way throughout.
Fun Fact: The Zen is Actually Missing a Rule
There aren’t 20 expressions in the text—there are 19, but so-called experts in Feng Shui point out that a 20th rule is intentionally omitted. It gives fans another fun and interesting tradition to think about when they use Python.
- AI and Web Development from the Zen of Python
- AI, machine learning, data science and web development all run on Python. Here, we focus on:
- It is easier to work with analysts and non-programmers when something is readable.
- Being very clear ensures that those working with the data know what is happening.
- Because ML models are simple, they’re easier to explain.
Libraries in massive AI projects do not conflict with one another because of namespaces.
The software frameworks you rely on, for example Django, Flask and TensorFlow, are all based on the same principles. Remember to enjoy the Zen.
- The Zen of Python doesn’t only address ideas; it is a tool that makes writing code in Python better, more like other Python code and more fun. Whatever size your project is, applying these principles helps you make readable, beautiful and Pythonic code.
- Don’t forget to keep these suggestions in mind when you next start a project.
- Don’t make it more complicated than it needs to be.
- Put things where people can read them
- Don’t worry more about writing cleverly than about making your meaning plain.
- And most crucially remember to import this
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FAQs about the Zen of Python
1. Who wrote the Zen of Python?
Tim Peters, a Python core developer, wrote it as a list of guiding principles for the language.
2. Is the Zen of Python official documentation?
It’s semi-official—while not a PEP, it is built into Python and reflects its core design philosophy.
3. Why is one rule missing?
That’s part of the charm! The “missing” 20th rule adds a touch of mystery to Zen.
4. Do other languages have similar philosophies?
Some do, like Ruby’s “developer happiness” mantra, but none have it embedded in the language like Python.
