Is there a python ternary conditional operator?
Yes, Python does have a ternary conditional operator, and it’s incredibly straightforward. You use the syntax:
value = x if condition else y
This means that if condition evaluates to True, the variable value is assigned x; otherwise, it’s assigned y. I’ve found it super handy for writing concise, readable code. For example:
status = 'Open' if is_active else 'Closed'
It’s one of those features that makes Python both powerful and elegant.
Absolutely! Building on Shilpa’s point about the Python ternary operator, you can also integrate it seamlessly into lambda functions. This is a great way to conditionally return values in a single line. Here’s an example:
func = lambda x: 'Positive' if x > 0 else 'Non-positive'
result = func(5) # Will return 'Positive'
It’s a neat trick I’ve used for quick, dynamic calculations where defining a full function feels overkill. The Python ternary syntax fits perfectly in such cases.
Totally agree with both of you! Taking it a step further, the Python ternary operator is also excellent for handling multiple conditions concisely. You can chain expressions for more complex logic like this:
result = "High" if score > 80 else "Medium" if score > 50 else "Low"
I’ve used this a lot for creating clean, compact decision-making code without needing to write bulky if-elif-else statements. Just be mindful of readability when chaining too many conditions—it’s a balance between brevity and clarity.