Formatting Python Code with Black

Anton Bendrikov
5 min readJan 20, 2024

Code formatting is one of the hallmarks that often separates more seasoned, experienced developers from beginners.

In the Python development landscape, adhering to a consistent code style has been a topic of many debates and discussions. Just like in any other programming language.

This is where Black comes into play. It’s a code formatter that takes the guesswork out of formatting decisions, ensuring a unified and aesthetically pleasing codebase.

In this guide, we’ll delve into what Black is, why it’s a beneficial tool, and how to seamlessly integrate it into your Python projects.

What is Black?

Black, formally known as “The Uncompromising Code Formatter”, is an open-source Python tool designed to format your code automatically. Unlike some other formatters, Black adheres to a single, opinionated style, eliminating the need for debates about code formatting during code reviews.

Why Use Black?

  1. Consistency: Black enforces a consistent code style across your entire project. This ensures that no matter who contributes to the codebase, the resulting code remains consistently formatted.
  2. Readability: Consistent formatting improves code readability. With Black, you don’t have to worry about…

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Anton Bendrikov

🇺🇦 Senior Software Developer working in a Hedge Fund. Write about everything programmy (Python, C++, Erlang...).