Python Operators

Operators are symbols or special functions in Python that allow you to perform various operations on values or variables. Python provides a wide range of operators for arithmetic, assignment, comparison, logical, and other operations. Let's explore some of the commonly used Python operators with examples.

Arithmetic Operators

Arithmetic operators are used to perform mathematical calculations on numeric values.

• Addition (+): Adds two values together. Example: 5 + 3 = 8
• Subtraction (-): Subtracts the second value from the first. Example: 10 - 4 = 6
• Multiplication (*): Multiplies two values. Example: 3 * 2 = 6
• Division (/): Divides the first value by the second (float division). Example: 10 / 3 = 3.3333
• Integer Division (//): Divides the first value by the second and returns the integer quotient. Example: 10 // 3 = 3
• Modulus (%): Returns the remainder of the division. Example: 10 % 3 = 1
• Exponentiation (**): Raises the first value to the power of the second. Example: 2 ** 3 = 8

Assignment Operators

Assignment operators are used to assign values to variables.

• =: Assigns the value on the right to the variable on the left. Example: x = 5
• +=: Adds the value on the right to the variable and assigns the result to the variable. Example: x += 3 (equivalent to x = x + 3)
• -=: Subtracts the value on the right from the variable and assigns the result to the variable. Example: x -= 2 (equivalent to x = x - 2)
• *=: Multiplies the variable by the value on the right and assigns the result to the variable. Example: x *= 2 (equivalent to x = x * 2)
• /=: Divides the variable by the value on the right and assigns the result to the variable. Example: x /= 4 (equivalent to x = x / 4)
• //=: Performs integer division on the variable and assigns the result to the variable. Example: x //= 2 (equivalent to x = x // 2)
• %=: Performs modulus division on the variable and assigns the remainder to the variable. Example: x %= 3 (equivalent to x = x % 3)
• **=: Raises the variable to the power of the value on the right and assigns the result to the variable. Example: x **= 2 (equivalent to x = x ** 2)

Comparison Operators

Comparison operators are used to compare two values and return a Boolean result (True or False).

• ==: Checks if the two values are equal. Example: 5 == 3 (False)
• !=: Checks if the two values are not equal. Example: 5 != 3 (True)
• >: Checks if the first value is greater than the second. Example: 5 > 3 (True)
• <: Checks if the first value is less than the second. Example: 5 < 3 (False)
• >=: Checks if the first value is greater than or equal to the second. Example: 5 >= 3 (True)
• <=: Checks if the first value is less than or equal to the second. Example: 5 <= 3 (False)

Logical Operators

Logical operators are used to combine multiple conditions and evaluate the result.

• and: Returns True if both conditions are True. Example: x > 0 and x < 10
• or: Returns True if either condition is True. Example: x > 0 or x < 10
• not: Returns the opposite of the condition. Example: not x > 0

Other Operators

Python also provides other operators such as membership operators (in and not in) and identity operators (is and is not), which are used for specific purposes.

Conclusion

Operators are essential in Python programming as they allow you to perform various operations on values and variables. By understanding and utilizing different operators, you can manipulate data, make decisions, and control the flow of your Python programs.