How to write inline if statement for print?

Mastering Python's Inline If Statement for Print

Learn how to use Python's conditional expressions (ternary operator) to write concise inline if statements directly within print functions, enhancing code readability and efficiency.

Python offers several ways to handle conditional logic, and for simple if-else scenarios, an inline if statement (also known as a conditional expression or ternary operator) can significantly condense your code. This article focuses on integrating these conditional expressions directly into print() statements, providing a clean and efficient way to output different messages based on a condition.

Understanding Python's Conditional Expression

Before diving into print() statements, let's clarify the structure of Python's conditional expression. Unlike some other languages that use ?: for ternary operations, Python uses a more readable value_if_true if condition else value_if_false syntax. This structure evaluates the condition; if it's true, value_if_true is returned; otherwise, value_if_false is returned.

x = 10
message = "Even" if x % 2 == 0 else "Odd"
print(message)

x = 7
message = "Even" if x % 2 == 0 else "Odd"
print(message)

Basic usage of Python's conditional expression

Inline If with Print Statements

The power of the conditional expression shines when you embed it directly where a value is expected, such as within a print() function. This allows you to decide what gets printed without needing a separate if/else block.

score = 85
print("Passed" if score >= 60 else "Failed")

temperature = 28
print(f"It's {'hot' if temperature > 25 else 'cool'} today.")

Printing conditional messages directly

flowchart TD
    A[Start]
    B{Condition is True?}
    C["Print 'Value if True'"]
    D["Print 'Value if False'"]
    E[End]

    A --> B
    B -- Yes --> C --> E
    B -- No --> D --> E

Flowchart of an inline if statement within a print function

Handling Multiple Conditions (Chained Conditionals)

You can also chain conditional expressions for more complex scenarios, though this should be used judiciously to maintain readability. This is equivalent to if/elif/else statements.

grade = 75
print("A" if grade >= 90 else ("B" if grade >= 80 else ("C" if grade >= 70 else "D")))

# A more readable alternative for chained conditions:
result = "Excellent" if grade >= 90 \
         else "Good" if grade >= 80 \
         else "Average" if grade >= 70 \
         else "Poor"
print(result)

Chaining conditional expressions for multiple conditions

Practical Use Cases

Inline if statements in print() are particularly useful for:

• Status Messages: Quickly indicating success or failure.
• Dynamic Labels: Changing text based on a boolean flag.
• Simple Formatting: Adjusting output based on a value (e.g., singular vs. plural).

is_admin = True
print(f"Welcome, {'Admin' if is_admin else 'User'}!")

item_count = 1
print(f"You have {item_count} item{'s' if item_count != 1 else ''} in your cart.")

Practical examples of inline if in print statements