> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://todepond.gitbook.io/spacetode/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://todepond.gitbook.io/spacetode/tabs-and-spaces.md).

# Tabs and Spaces

SpaceTode has some strict syntax rules about tabs and spaces. If you don't follow them, it will throw an error.

## Consistent Indent Size

Every indent must be the same size.

**Bad, because indents are different sizes:**

```
element MyFirstElement {
   default true
  category "MyCoolElements"
     colour "blue"
}
```

**Good, because indents are the same size:**

```
element MyFirstElement {
   default true
   category "MyCoolElements"
   colour "blue"
}
```

**Good, because indents are the same size:**

```
element MyFirstElement {
        default true
        category "MyCoolElements"
        colour "blue"
}
```

## Consistent Indent Character

You are not allowed to mix up spaces and tabs in different indents.

**Bad, because some indents use tabs, and some use spaces:**

```
element MyFirstElement {
  default true
	category "MyCoolElements"
  colour "blue"
}
```

**Good, because all indents use tabs:**

```
element MyFirstElement {
	default true
	category "MyCoolElements"
	colour "blue"
}
```

**Good, because all indents use spaces:**

```
element MyFirstElement {
        default true
        category "MyCoolElements"
        colour "blue"
}
```

## Only Spaces in Diagrams

You must use spaces in between different parts of a diagram.

**Bad, because it uses tabs inside a diagram:**

```
element MyFirstElement {
	@  =>   _
	_	@
}
```

**Good, because it only uses spaces inside a diagram:**

```
element MyFirstElement {
	@  =>   _
	_       @
}
```