Python pass Keyword

A null statement, meaning a statement that will do nothing,

Python
def myFunction:
    pass

A code block, such as a for loop, while loop, or function, cannot be empty. The pass keyword gives you something to put in a block that is a placeholder for later coding so that it "passes" syntax checking.

Examples

The pass keyword is simply a placeholder instruction. It does nothing other than acts as a placeholder in situations where you need to have something and you'll come around to the actual implementation later.

Python
def complexCalculation(a,b):
    pass # I'll complete this function later...
	
a = 1
b = 10
complexCalculation(a,b)

Here, you're sketching out some code but haven't completed the implementation. You can define the function but you can't have a function that is empty or only contains a comment. So, use the pass statement to keep Python happy while you work on finishing things up.

Notes

Be careful - the function will still run the code, it simply ignores the pass statements:

Python
def todo():
    a = 5
    pass
    print(a)

todo()

Output

5