Python operators are special symbols that perform operations on variables and values. They are essential for manipulating data and controlling program flow in Python.
Python supports various types of operators, each serving a specific purpose in your code:
Arithmetic operators perform mathematical operations on numeric values. They are fundamental for calculations in Python programs.
Operator | Description | Example |
---|---|---|
+ | Addition | 5 + 3 # Result: 8 |
- | Subtraction | 5 - 3 # Result: 2 |
* | Multiplication | 5 * 3 # Result: 15 |
/ | Division | 5 / 3 # Result: 1.6666667 |
% | Modulus | 5 % 3 # Result: 2 |
** | Exponentiation | 5 ** 3 # Result: 125 |
// | Floor Division | 5 // 3 # Result: 1 |
Comparison operators are used to compare values. They return Boolean results (True or False), making them crucial for conditional statements and loops.
Operator | Description | Example |
---|---|---|
== | Equal to | 5 == 3 # Result: False |
!= | Not equal to | 5 != 3 # Result: True |
> | Greater than | 5 > 3 # Result: True |
< | Less than | 5 < 3 # Result: False |
>= | Greater than or equal to | 5 >= 3 # Result: True |
<= | Less than or equal to | 5 <= 3 # Result: False |
Logical operators are used to combine conditional statements. They are essential for creating complex conditions in Python If...Else statements and loops.
Operator | Description | Example |
---|---|---|
and | Returns True if both statements are true | x > 0 and x < 10 |
or | Returns True if one of the statements is true | x < 0 or x > 10 |
not | Reverse the result, returns False if the result is true | not(x > 0 and x < 10) |
Assignment operators are used to assign values to variables. They can also perform operations while assigning values, making code more concise.
Operator | Example | Equivalent to |
---|---|---|
= | x = 5 |
x = 5 |
+= | x += 3 |
x = x + 3 |
-= | x -= 3 |
x = x - 3 |
*= | x *= 3 |
x = x * 3 |
/= | x /= 3 |
x = x / 3 |
%= | x %= 3 |
x = x % 3 |
Here's a practical example demonstrating the use of various operators in Python:
# Arithmetic operators
x = 10
y = 3
print(f"Addition: {x + y}")
print(f"Subtraction: {x - y}")
print(f"Multiplication: {x * y}")
print(f"Division: {x / y}")
print(f"Modulus: {x % y}")
print(f"Exponentiation: {x ** y}")
print(f"Floor Division: {x // y}")
# Comparison operators
print(f"x == y: {x == y}")
print(f"x != y: {x != y}")
print(f"x > y: {x > y}")
print(f"x < y: {x < y}")
# Logical operators
a = True
b = False
print(f"a and b: {a and b}")
print(f"a or b: {a or b}")
print(f"not a: {not a}")
# Assignment operators
z = 5
z += 3
print(f"z after z += 3: {z}")
z *= 2
print(f"z after z *= 2: {z}")
Understanding Python operators is crucial for effective programming. They form the foundation for more complex operations and control structures in Python, such as conditional statements and loops.
Mastering Python operators enhances your ability to manipulate data and control program flow effectively. As you progress in your Python journey, you'll find these operators indispensable in various programming tasks and algorithms.