What is the difference between "and" and "or" in Python?

Question

Jayant Kumar · Accepted Answer

Table of Contents
Introduction
In Python, logical operators such as and and or are used to combine conditional statements and control the flow of execution based on multiple conditions. These operators are fundamental for making complex logical decisions in your code. This article explains the differences between and and or, including their functionality and practical usage.
Key Differences Between and and or
1. Purpose and Function

**and**: The and operator is used to combine two or more conditions and returns True only if all conditions are True. If any condition evaluates to False, the entire expression evaluates to False.
**or**: The or operator combines two or more conditions and returns True if at least one of the conditions is True. If all conditions are False, then the expression evaluates to False.

Example:
# Using and
x = 10
print(x > 5 and x &#x3C; 15)  # Output: True (both conditions are True)

print(x > 5 and x > 15)  # Output: False (second condition is False)

# Using or
print(x > 5 or x &#x3C; 15)  # Output: True (at least one condition is True)

print(x > 15 or x &#x3C; 5)  # Output: False (both conditions are False)

2. Short-Circuit Evaluation

**and**: Performs short-circuit evaluation, meaning if the first condition evaluates to False, it does not evaluate the remaining conditions because the result is already determined to be False.
**or**: Also performs short-circuit evaluation. If the first condition evaluates to True, it does not evaluate the remaining conditions because the result is already determined to be True.

Example:
# Short-circuit behavior with and
def check_a():
    print("Checking A")
    return False

def check_b():
    print("Checking B")
    return True

print(check_a() and check_b())  
# Output: 
# Checking A
# False (check_b() is not called because check_a() is False)

# Short-circuit behavior with or
print(check_b() or check_a())  
# Output: 
# Checking B
# True (check_a() is not called because check_b() is True)

3. Use in Conditional Statements

**and**: Useful when multiple conditions need to be satisfied simultaneously. For example, validating that a number is within a range.
**or**: Useful when satisfying at least one of several conditions. For example, checking if a user’s input matches any of several valid options.

Example:
# Using and in conditional statements
age = 25
if age > 18 and age &#x3C; 65:
    print("Adult working age")  # Output: Adult working age

# Using or in conditional statements
day = "Saturday"
if day == "Saturday" or day == "Sunday":
    print("It's the weekend!")  # Output: It's the weekend!

Practical Examples
Example : Validating User Input
# Using and to validate input range
user_input = 50
if user_input >= 0 and user_input &#x3C;= 100:
    print("Input is within the valid range.")  # Output: Input is within the valid range.

# Using or to check multiple valid inputs
user_input = 'yes'
if user_input == 'yes' or user_input == 'y':
    print("Affirmative response.")  # Output: Affirmative response.

Example : Complex Conditions
# Using and for complex conditions
username = "admin"
password = "secret"
if username == "admin" and password == "secret":
    print("Access granted.")  # Output: Access granted.

# Using or for alternative conditions
status = "inactive"
if status == "active" or status == "pending":
    print("User can access the system.")  # Output: (no output in this case)

Conclusion
The and and or operators in Python are essential for combining and evaluating multiple conditions. and requires all conditions to be True for the entire expression to be True, while or requires at least one condition to be True. Understanding these logical operators helps in creating robust conditional statements and controlling the flow of your Python programs effectively.

What is the difference between "and" and "or" in Python?

Table of Contents

Introduction

Key Differences Between `and` and `or`

1. Purpose and Function

Example:

2. Short-Circuit Evaluation

Example:

3. Use in Conditional Statements

Example:

Practical Examples

Example : Validating User Input

Example : Complex Conditions

Conclusion

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