Why is code indentation important for programmers?

Code indentation is crucial for programmers as it helps show the structure of the code, making it easier to understand and maintain. When code is properly indented, it visually represents the hierarchy and flow of the program, indicating which blocks of code are associated with specific control structures, such as loops, conditionals, and functions. This organization enhances readability, allowing programmers to quickly grasp relationships between different parts of the code.

For instance, in a conditional statement or a loop, the indented lines inside the block indicate that they will only execute if the condition is met or as part of the loop's iterations. This visual representation aids in debugging and reduces the likelihood of mistakes. Programmers can identify nesting levels and the scopes of different variables more efficiently, which is essential when collaborating on larger projects or revisiting one's own code after some time.