Conditional expression

Definition

A conditional expression evaluates to one of two values based on a given condition. In Python, it is often written using the syntax 'a if condition else b' where 'a' and 'b' are potential outcomes.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Conditional expressions provide a concise way to return one of two values based on a boolean condition.
2. The syntax for a conditional expression in Python is 'value_if_true if condition else value_if_false'.
3. Conditional expressions can be nested, but excessive nesting can reduce code readability.
4. They are also known as ternary operators because they take three operands: a condition, a result for true, and a result for false.
5. Conditional expressions can be used within lambda functions to create short, inline decision-making logic.

Review Questions

• What is the syntax for writing a conditional expression in Python?
• How many operands does a ternary operator take?
• Can conditional expressions be nested within other conditional expressions?

Related terms

Boolean Expression:

An expression that evaluates to either True or False.

If Statement: A control flow statement that executes code blocks based on whether a condition is True or False.

Lambda Function:

An anonymous function defined using the lambda keyword, often used for short snippets of code or quick calculations.