Python Logical Operators to Know for Intro to Python Programming

Logical operators in Python help you make decisions in your code. They combine or compare boolean expressions, guiding the flow of your program. Understanding these operators is key to writing effective conditional statements and controlling how your code behaves.

1. and

   • Combines two boolean expressions and returns True only if both expressions are True.
   • Commonly used in conditional statements to ensure multiple conditions are met.
   • Example:

     if a > 5 and b < 10:

     checks if both conditions are satisfied.

2. or

   • Combines two boolean expressions and returns True if at least one expression is True.
   • Useful for scenarios where multiple conditions can lead to a true outcome.
   • Example:

     if a < 5 or b > 10:

     evaluates to True if either condition holds.

3. not

   • A unary operator that negates a boolean expression, turning True to False and vice versa.
   • Often used to reverse the logic of a condition in control flow statements.
   • Example:

     if not a > 5:

     checks if a is not greater than 5.

4. ==

   • Compares two values for equality and returns True if they are equal.
   • Essential for making decisions based on value comparisons in conditional statements.
   • Example:

     if a == b:

     checks if a is equal to b.

5. !=

   • Compares two values for inequality and returns True if they are not equal.
   • Useful for ensuring that two values are distinct in logical conditions.
   • Example:

     if a != b:

     checks if a is not equal to b.

6. >

   • Compares two values and returns True if the left value is greater than the right value.
   • Frequently used in loops and conditional statements to control flow based on size.
   • Example:

     if a > b:

     checks if a is greater than b.

7. <

   • Compares two values and returns True if the left value is less than the right value.
   • Important for establishing conditions where a smaller value is needed.
   • Example:

     if a < b:

     checks if a is less than b.

8. >=

   • Compares two values and returns True if the left value is greater than or equal to the right value.
   • Useful for inclusive comparisons in conditions.
   • Example:

     if a >= b:

     checks if a is greater than or equal to b.

9. <=

   • Compares two values and returns True if the left value is less than or equal to the right value.
   • Important for establishing conditions where a value can be equal or smaller.
   • Example:

     if a <= b:

     checks if a is less than or equal to b.