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

You can put this into your .emacs file:

(add-hook 'python-mode-hook '(lambda () 
 (setq python-indent 2)))

The reason why

    (setq-default python-indent 2)

does not work may because this variable does not exit when .emacs is loaded. (But I am an emacs newbie. I am not sure about my explanation.)

However, PEP 8 -- Style Guide for Python Code recommends "4 spaces per indentation level" and I find 4 spaces more readable. I actually use this piece of code to force a 4 spaces indentation.