Tool to convert python indentation from spaces to tabs?

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+4 Q:

Tool to convert python indentation from spaces to tabs?

I have a some .py files that use spaces for indentation, and I'd like to convert them to tabs.

I could easily hack together something using regexes, but I can think of several edge cases where this approach could fail. Is there a tool that does this by parsing the file and determining the indentation level the same way the python interpreter does?

+6 A:

If there are not many files to convert, you can open them in vim, and use the :retab command.

See the vim documentation for more information.

Wimmel 2008-12-03 21:31:56

+12 A:

Since PEP-8 suggests that spaces a preferred over tabs, I'm curious why you're going from preferred (spaces) to not-preferred (tabs).

Wouldn't it be simpler to follow PEP-8 and leave them spaces?

S.Lott 2008-12-03 21:33:19

By the way: Why is PEP-8 against tabs? I've always been fine with tabs, and my interpreter never complained...

Federico Ramponi 2008-12-03 21:36:47

I would like to change them for consistency's sake.

Corey 2008-12-03 21:42:42

@Federic Ramponi: Not against tabs. Recommend spaces. It's important to pick one, and spaces are easiest to get right. Some folks work okay with tabs, but spaces are guaranteed.

S.Lott 2008-12-03 21:44:44

PEP-8 isn't "against" tabs, it's for consistency - and they chose spaces over tabs (I imagine the python-dev mailing list has a lot of discussion of why, such as http://mail.python.org/pipermail/python-list/2004-April/256325.html )

dbr 2008-12-03 21:45:40

@Corey: Consistent -- yes. But consistent With what? Surely not other code formatted according to PEP-8.

S.Lott 2008-12-03 21:45:48

In my opinion is better to be consistent with the existent code than try to change the whole code to your way (even though your way is the standard way)

igorgue 2008-12-03 21:54:26

@igorgue: Since the question was how to change some files, it's not clear if all, most or a few files are being changed. "Consistent" with PEP-8 seems to be of slightly more value than consistent internally, but I don't know how much effort is involved.

S.Lott 2008-12-03 21:59:27

As with most languages there exists different styles which are syntactically correct. PEP-8 defines the recommended standard and is, IMHO, a must-read for any Python coder. Consistent code is much nicer to work with.You'll get used to using 4 spaces and your editor/IDE should be able to help.

Walter 2008-12-03 22:55:04

Not all follow PEP8 (use 4 spaces), but it's better for everyone if you do. That way you can easily cut/paste code from someone else into your code. If you don't eventuanlly you'll see, "IndentationError: unexpected indent" when you try to copy/paste someones code and you'll understand.

monkut 2008-12-04 02:57:21

You shouldn't not have to "get used to" using 4-space tabs, your editor should hide this from you.. Press "tab" and it inserts 4 spaces, backspace should delete them just like tabs, and so on..

dbr 2008-12-04 09:37:37

Agreed -- there's no "get used to" 4 spaces for tabs. All my editors hide this nuance from me.

S.Lott 2008-12-04 12:03:20

My editor doesn't allow me to backspace 4 spaces in one hit which is unfortunate. NP++. The reason for spaces (I think I remember seeing) was for inconsistent rendering of tab across platforms. A space is always the same from platform to platform. Copy and paste destroys tabs quite regularly.

Josh Smeaton 2009-02-04 11:33:23

+6 A:

Python includes a script for the opposite (tabs to spaces). It's C:\Python24\Tools\Scripts\reindent.py for me

Greg 2008-12-03 22:10:01

This is not available under Linux, even on py26.

Sorin Sbarnea 2010-07-22 13:49:01

+1 A:

In emacs, M-x tabify will convert spaces to tabs where possible. You'll probably want to set the tab-width variable appropriately.

I don't know if this addresses your concern that spaces be interpreted in the same way as the python interpreter, but you could always load up python-mode and use M-x indent-region.

Alastair 2008-12-03 22:20:22

+3 A:

:retab will swap tab with spaces, and :retab! will swap spaces with tab. 1 tab = 4 spaces, 4 spaces = 1 tab, depending on your tab setting.

Orjanp 2009-02-04 11:14:03

+1, didn't know it worked both ways; it uses the `tabstop` setting, presumably?

Autopulated 2010-02-14 00:49:05

+1 A:

If you use Linux, you might also play around with unexpand:

Convert blanks in each FILE to tabs, writing to standard output. With no FILE, or when FILE is -, read standard input.

mzuther 2010-02-14 00:37:51

You'll find a win32 build if you want.

Sorin Sbarnea 2010-07-22 13:50:36

ansaurus

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Tool to convert python indentation from spaces to tabs?

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