Exit condition block for non-condition, or long block condition?

Question

I always wanted to ask this question. I would like to know what form I should use, and why. What is better:

if my_condition:
    # very long block of code with multiple indention levels

OR:

if not my_condition:
    exit

# Still here ?
# very long block of code with multiple indention levels

EDIT:

I'm not asking for personal opinion. Is there any PEP recommendation/ any criterion I'm not aware of ?

I am afraid this question will be closed as highly opinionated. Anyway, I prefer the first one, because that is more structured, reminds me of functional programming. The second one is more imperative, but in some scenarios you can avoid deep indentations. — Tamas Hegedus, May 25 '16 at 10:49
Ok. Is it only personal, or is there any PEP recommendation I'm not aware of ? — JPFrancoia, May 25 '16 at 10:49
Python has `break` statement that is used to break out of loop. If it was discouraged, then there' d be no break. — Antti Haapala -- Слава Україні, May 25 '16 at 10:53

score 2 · Accepted Answer · answered May 25 '16 at 10:49

2

Flat is better than nested.

The second approach, if not my_condition: exit, avoids a level of nesting and is therefore superior according to this particular criterion.

answered May 25 '16 at 10:49

TigerhawkT3

1 Answers1