`case ...:` generates unclear `SyntaxError` message
Open
@sobolevn is already working on this.
Since Sep 13, 2025.
interpreter-core
topic-parser
type-feature
- Dominant language
- Python
- Stars
- 77.2k
- Forks
- 35.9k
- PR merge metrics
- PR metrics pending
Description
Feature or enhancement
Proposal:
I've noticed that this simple python code sample generates unclear error message:
>>> match 1:
... case ...: ...
File "<stdin>", line 2
case ...: ...
^^^
SyntaxError: invalid syntax
I propose making the error message clearer:
>>> match 1:
... case ...: ...
File "<stdin>", line 2
case ...: ...
^^^
SyntaxError: cannot use case statement with ellipsis
We already have this logic for := expressions:
>>> (a[0] := 1)
File "<stdin>", line 1
(a[0] := 1)
^^^^
SyntaxError: cannot use assignment expressions with subscript
Since case requires some special grammar (not regular python expression) it would be user-friendly to improve this message.
I have a PR ready.
Has this already been discussed elsewhere?
This is a minor feature, which does not need previous discussion elsewhere
Links to previous discussion of this feature:
No response
Linked PRs
- gh-138865
Contributor guide
First steps
- Read the whole issue, then the project's contributing guide.
- Comment on the issue to say you are picking it up — it saves two people doing the same work.
- Fork the repository and make your change on a branch.
- Open a pull request that references the issue number.
Assessment
This issue has not been assessed yet.