Set python indent to 2 spaces in emacs 23?

Question

I am using emacs 23.1.1 on Ubuntu 10.04. I wish to program in Python with a 2-space indent. emacs looks to have a default mode for python (python.el?).

I put the follow

Answer 1

Either in you .emacs file or in a file referenced by your .emacs add:

(setq-default indent-tabs-mode nil)
(setq-default tab-width 2)

You can put in a hook if you want to localize

;; Python Hook
(add-hook 'python-mode-hook
          (function (lambda ()
                      (setq indent-tabs-mode nil
                            tab-width 2))))

EDIT: I have found the following the following issues can mess with my settings:

• setting the variable before the library is loaded
• other packages/configs resetting the global variables

For both those issues I have found creating hooks and localizing the variables can help.