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![Arnon Pilz](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/23246c3b8d8c0ea6dc68533893a5193a?s=96&d=https%3A%2F%2Fecs-static.teamtreehouse.com%2Fassets%2Fcontent%2Fdefault_avatar-445fbbabfc8dc9188fb5967fe43322ee0c3e0dd1e10f378bf8343784af5a13eb.webp&r=pg)
Arnon Pilz
198 Pointswhat is the meaning of the colons (:)? and how do i know when to put them? for example, else and maximilane. thanks
what is the meaning of the colons (:)? and how do I know when to put them? for example, else and maximilane.
2 Answers
![Steven Parker](https://uploads.teamtreehouse.com/production/profile-photos/969492/micro_tool_chess_set_2.jpg)
Steven Parker
230,688 PointsThe colons are just part of the syntax, and one goes at the end of any "if", "else" or "elif" statement no matter what is actually being tested (like the name "Maximilliane"). It may help remembering if you associate the colons with indenting the next line, which is also done with each of these.
I had forgotten that Craig refers to me in the video — it was fun seeing that again!
![Arnon Pilz](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/23246c3b8d8c0ea6dc68533893a5193a?s=96&d=https%3A%2F%2Fecs-static.teamtreehouse.com%2Fassets%2Fcontent%2Fdefault_avatar-445fbbabfc8dc9188fb5967fe43322ee0c3e0dd1e10f378bf8343784af5a13eb.webp&r=pg)
Arnon Pilz
198 Pointsthanks, I appreciate your help!