Conditional statements are the backbone of decision-making in Python programs. They allow code to execute different blocks based on specific conditions, enabling dynamic responsive program flow.

, , and statements form the core of conditional logic. By combining these with comparison and , programmers can create complex decision trees, guiding program execution through various scenarios based on input and state.

Conditional Statements

Conditional statements for program flow

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  • if
    statements enable conditional execution of code blocks based on whether a specified condition evaluates to
    [True](https://www.fiveableKeyTerm:TRUE)
    [False](https://www.fiveableKeyTerm:FALSE)
    • Code block under an
      if
      statement executes only if the condition is
      True
      (
      x > 5
      )
    • If the condition is
      False
      , the code block is skipped and program execution continues with the next statement after the
      if
      block
  • if-else
    statements provide an alternative code block to execute when the
    if
    condition is
    False
    • Code block under the
      if
      statement executes if the condition is
      True
      (
      temperature > 30
      )
    • Code block under the
      else
      statement executes if the
      if
      condition is
      False
      (
      temperature <= 30
      )
  • elif
    (else if) statements allow for checking multiple conditions if the preceding
    if
    or
    elif
    conditions are
    False
    • First condition that evaluates to
      True
      will have its corresponding code block executed (
      grade >= 90
      ,
      grade >= 80
      , etc.)
    • If none of the conditions are
      True
      , the code block under the
      else
      statement (if present) will be executed

Syntax of if and if-else statements

  • if
    statements start with the
    if
    keyword, followed by a condition and a colon
    • Condition is an expression that evaluates to either
      True
      or
      False
      (
      count == 0
      ,
      name != "John"
      )
    • Code block under the
      if
      statement is indented (typically by 4 spaces)
  • else
    statements follow an
    if
    statement and begin with the
    else
    keyword and a colon
    • Code block under the
      else
      statement is also indented
  • elif
    statements can be used between an
    if
    and
    else
    statement to check additional conditions
    • elif
      statements begin with the
      elif
      keyword, followed by a condition and a colon
    • Code block under the
      elif
      statement is indented
  • Proper is crucial for defining the scope of each code block within conditional statements
  • Example syntax:
if age >= 18:
    print("You are eligible to vote")
elif age >= 16:
    print("You can pre-register to vote")
else:
    print("You are [not](https://www.fiveableKeyTerm:not) eligible to vote yet")

Implementation of conditional code blocks

  • create conditions that evaluate to
    True
    or
    False
    • ==
      (equal to),
      !=
      (not equal to),
      <
      (less than),
      >
      (greater than),
      <=
      (less than or equal to),
      >=
      (greater than or equal to)
  • Logical operators combine multiple conditions
    • and
      (both conditions must be
      True
      ),
      or
      (at least one condition must be
      True
      ),
      not
      (inverts the boolean value)
  • Conditions can include variables, constants, and function calls that return boolean values
    • Variable:
      if score > 100:
    • Constant:
      if MAX_VALUE == 100:
    • Function call:
      if is_valid_email(email):
  • Example implementation:
temperature = 25
if temperature > 30:
    print("It's a hot day")
    print("Drink plenty of water")
elif temperature > 20 and temperature <= 30:
    print("It's a nice day")
else:
    print("It's a cold day")
    print("Wear warm clothes")

Advanced Conditional Concepts

  • in programs is determined by the sequence of conditional statements
  • occurs when the program execution takes different paths based on conditions
  • involve placing conditional statements within other conditional statements
    • Allows for more complex decision-making structures
    • Example:
    if outer_condition:
        if inner_condition:
            # Code block for both conditions true
        else:
            # Code block for outer true, inner false
    else:
        # Code block for outer false
    

Key Terms to Review (22)

And: The term 'and' is a logical operator used to combine two or more conditions in programming. It is a fundamental concept in Boolean logic and is essential for creating complex decision-making structures in various programming topics, including Boolean values, if-else statements, Boolean operations, operator precedence, chained decisions, and nested decisions.
Arithmetic operators: Arithmetic operators are symbols used in programming to perform mathematical calculations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and modulus. They are fundamental in manipulating numerical data.
Boolean Expression: A Boolean expression is a logical statement that evaluates to either true or false. It is a fundamental concept in programming that is used to control the flow of execution in a program based on conditions.
Branching: Branching refers to the decision-making process in programming that allows the flow of execution to take different paths based on certain conditions. This process is essential for creating dynamic and responsive code, as it enables the program to evaluate specific conditions and execute different blocks of code accordingly. By using constructs such as if-else statements and nested decisions, branching creates a structured control flow, allowing developers to write more efficient and versatile programs.
Comparison operators: Comparison operators are used to compare two values and return a Boolean result (True or False). They are fundamental in decision-making constructs such as if statements.
Comparison Operators: Comparison operators are symbols used in programming to compare values and determine their relationship, such as whether one value is greater than, less than, or equal to another. They are fundamental for making decisions and controlling the flow of a program.
Conditional Statement: A conditional statement is a programming construct that allows a program to make decisions and execute different actions based on whether a specific condition is true or false. It forms the core of control flow in programming languages, enabling programs to adapt their behavior dynamically.
Control flow: Control flow is the order in which individual statements, instructions, or function calls are executed or evaluated in a programming language. It determines the logical sequence of operations within a program.
Control Flow: Control flow is the order in which individual statements, instructions, or function calls are executed in a computer program. It determines the path the program will take based on certain conditions or decisions made during runtime.
Data science life cycle: The data science life cycle is a series of iterative steps used to analyze and interpret complex data. It typically includes stages like data collection, cleaning, exploration, modeling, and interpretation.
Elif: The 'elif' statement in Python is a conditional statement that allows for the evaluation of multiple conditions within a single if-else structure. It serves as an extension to the if-else statement, providing a way to check for additional conditions if the initial if condition is not met.
Else: The term 'else' in programming is a conditional statement that executes a block of code when the initial condition is not met. It provides an alternative path of execution when the primary condition is false, allowing for more complex decision-making within a program.
Else statement: An else statement in Python is used to execute a block of code if the condition in an if statement evaluates to False. It provides an alternative path of execution when the if condition is not met.
FALSE: False is a Boolean value that represents a condition or statement that is not true. It is one of the two possible Boolean values, the other being True. The term False is fundamental to understanding various programming concepts, such as Boolean values, if-else statements, Boolean operations, and conditionals and looping in dictionaries.
If: The term 'if' is a conditional statement used in programming to make decisions based on specific conditions. It allows the program to execute different actions or blocks of code depending on whether a given condition is true or false.
If statement: An if statement allows the execution of a block of code only if a specified condition is true. It is fundamental for decision-making in programming.
Indentation: Indentation refers to the consistent spacing or alignment of code elements, typically achieved through the use of whitespace characters like spaces or tabs. It is a fundamental aspect of code formatting that enhances readability and helps convey the logical structure of a program.
Logical Operators: Logical operators are symbols or keywords used in programming to perform logical operations on boolean values, allowing for the evaluation of complex conditions. They are essential in controlling the flow of execution within a program, particularly in decision-making processes.
Nested Conditionals: Nested conditionals refer to the process of embedding one or more conditional statements (if-else statements) within another conditional statement. This allows for complex decision-making processes by nesting multiple levels of logical conditions to determine the appropriate course of action.
Not: The term 'not' is a logical operator used to negate or reverse the meaning of a statement or condition. It is a fundamental concept in Boolean logic and is crucial for understanding various programming constructs, such as conditional statements and Boolean operations.
Or: The logical operator 'or' is a Boolean operation that returns a true value if at least one of the operands is true. It is a fundamental concept in programming and decision-making, allowing for the evaluation of multiple conditions and the selection of appropriate actions based on the results.
TRUE: TRUE is a Boolean value that represents one of the two possible states in logic and programming, the other being FALSE. It is crucial in decision-making processes and controls the flow of operations, allowing programs to evaluate conditions and execute specific actions based on those evaluations.
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