(Fixed) Python SyntaxError Unexpected Character After Line Continuation Character

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You may encounter the “SyntaxError: unexpected character after line continuation character” error while working on your projects.

This error is related to the misuse of the line continuation character, which allows you to extend a line of code to the following line. In Python, the line continuation character is the backslash \. It enables you to break lengthy lines of code and improve readability while not altering the code’s functionality.

A common reason for this error is that you try division using the backslash \ rather than the frontslash /. Here’s an example:

# SyntaxError Unexpected Character After Line Continuation Character
print(42\2)

The correct code would be:

# Correct, no error:
print(42/2)

Here’s the key sentence that will solve your error:

The division operator is /, not \.

Check out my full tutorial on the division operator:

Resolving Unexpected Character Error

The presence of an unexpected character after the line continuation character can cause this error. It is crucial to understand that only newline characters or whitespace are allowed after the line continuation character before the next non-whitespace character continues the interrupted line.

Therefore, having any other character immediately following the backslash will trigger the “SyntaxError: unexpected character after line continuation character” error. The error message points you to the exact line and position where this issue occurs.

To resolve this error, pay close attention to the placement of the backslash and the characters that follow it. Eliminate any non-whitespace characters or comments right after the backslash, or use parentheses to continue expressions on the next line without using a backslash.

Practical Solutions

The unexpected character after line continuation character error in Python often occurs due to incorrect usage of newline or backslashes within strings or expressions. To resolve this error, follow these practical solutions:

  1. Remove any unnecessary spaces after the line continuation character (backslash).
  2. Replace single backslashes (\) with double backslashes (\\) when trying to escape characters.
  3. Enclose long strings within triple quotes (''' or """) to avoid unnecessary backslashes for line continuation.
  4. Ensure that no other characters, excluding spaces or newlines, appear after a backslash at the end of a line.

For example, let’s consider a string with an error:

text = "This is a long sentence that \
has an unexpected character after the line continuation character."

To fix the error, you can use triple quotes:

text = """This is a long sentence that
has no unexpected character after the line continuation character."""

Detailed Step-by-Step Tutorial

To better understand the process, we’ll follow a detailed step-by-step tutorial using an example from the w3schools website.

  1. Identify the error: Locate the “unexpected character after line continuation character” error within your code. This error often consists of an unexpected newline or space after a backslash. For example:
print("This is line 1.\
  This is line 2.")
  1. Check for correct backslashes usage: Ensure that single backslashes are used properly, escaping special characters like \" or \'. Replace single backslashes with double backslashes for escaping characters, or use raw strings by adding an r before the string, e.g., r"\n".
  2. Use triple quotes for long strings: If your code spans multiple lines, enclose the text within triple quotes (''' or """). This formatting eliminates the need for backslashes and handles newline characters properly. For example:
print("""
This is line 1.
This is line 2.
""")
  1. Verify the output: After implementing the suggested changes, verify that the code runs without any errors, and the output is as expected.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to fix unexpected character after line continuation in Python?

To fix the unexpected character after line continuation in Python, ensure that the line continuation character (\) is not followed by any value or whitespace. Remove any characters or spaces after the line continuation character, and place the remaining part of the code on the next line. For example:

print("Hello, \
world!")

What causes syntax error after line continuation character?

A syntax error after the line continuation character occurs when there is an unexpected character, whitespace, or indentation after the backslash (\). Python considers anything following the \ as a part of the same line, so any unwanted characters will cause a syntax error.

How to correctly use line continuation character in Python?

To correctly use the line continuation character in Python, place the backslash symbol (\) at the end of the line you want to continue on the next line, ensuring that there are no characters or whitespace after the \. For example:

result = 1 + 2 + 3 + \
         4 + 5 + 6

Are there alternative methods for line continuation in Python?

Yes, there are alternative methods for line continuation in Python. For example, using parentheses () or square brackets [] allows you to continue a line within the brackets on the next line without needing a line continuation character. Example:

result = (1 + 2 + 3 +
          4 + 5 + 6)

Why am I receiving a syntax error for literal_eval with line continuation character?

You might be receiving a syntax error for literal_eval with a line continuation character if the line continuation character is followed by an unexpected character, whitespace, or indentation. Ensure that the line continuation is used correctly, without any characters or whitespace after the \, and that the remaining part of the code is placed on the next line.

How do indentation and line continuation work together in Python?

Indentation and line continuation work together in Python by allowing you to break a single line of code into multiple lines for better readability and syntax organization. While indentation controls code block structure (such as in a function or a loop), the line continuation character denotes that the line of code is not ending, and the remaining part of the code should be treated as part of the same line. Make sure to use proper indentation while using line continuation to maintain a clean and organized structure in your Python code.