In Python, conditional statements are used for decision-making in your code. The primary conditional statements in Python are if, else, and elif. These statements allow you to execute different blocks of code based on certain conditions.
The if statement
The if statement is the most basic form of decision-making in Python. It evaluates a test expression and executes a block of code if the expression is True.
x = 1
if x > 0:
print(x, "is a positive number")
# output: 1 is a positive number
Note:
Indentation is crucial in Python. All statements within the if block must be indented.
Example with code outside if block:
x = 1
if x > 0:
print(x, "is a positive number")
print('Outside of if condition')
# output:
# 1 is a positive number
# Outside of if condition
The if...else statement
The if...else statement adds an alternative block of code to execute if the test expression is False.
x = 1
if x >= 0:
print(x, "is a positive number")
else:
print(x, "is a negative number")
print('End of if...else...')
# output:
# 1 is a positive number
# End of if...else...
The if...elif...else statement
The if...elif...else statement allows you to check multiple expressions for True and execute a block of code as soon as one of the conditions is True. If none of the conditions are True, the else block is executed.
x = -5
if x == 0:
print(x, "is zero")
elif x > 0:
print(x, "is positive")
else:
print(x, "is negative")
print('End of if statement')
# output :
# -5 is negative
# End of if statement
Nested if statements
You can nest if statements within other if statements to create more complex decision-making structures.
x = 8
if x == 0:
print(x, "is zero")
elif x > 0:
if x == 10:
print(x, "is equal to 10")
elif x > 10:
print(x, "is greater than 10")
else:
print(x, "is less than 10")
else:
print(x, "is negative")
print('End of if statement')
# output :
# 8 is less than 10
# End of if statement
Conclusion
Understanding and effectively using if, else, and elif statements is essential for controlling the flow of your Python programs. These conditional statements allow you to execute different code blocks based on various conditions, making your programs more dynamic and capable of handling different situations. If you encounter any issues, please get in touch with our support. Happy coding in Deepnote!