Python identifiers can be of any length , meaning there is no fixed maximum length imposed by the language itself or the official Python language reference
. This means you can technically create identifiers that are very long without causing a syntax error. However, the Python style guide PEP 8 recommends limiting line length to 79 characters for readability reasons, which indirectly encourages keeping identifiers reasonably short (generally within 79 characters) to maintain clean, readable code
. Exceeding this practical limit may not cause immediate errors but can lead to difficulties in reading and maintaining the code.
Summary:
- Maximum length of a Python identifier: Unlimited (no fixed maximum)
- PEP 8 recommendation: Keep identifiers within 79 characters for readability
- Reason: Long identifiers can cause readability issues and potential compatibility problems
Thus, while Python itself allows identifiers of unlimited length, the practical and community-advised limit is about 79 characters to ensure code clarity and maintainability.
