Python Operators Explained: Complete Guide
Operators in Python are special symbols or keywords used to perform operations on variables and values. They play a fundamental role in defining logic and expressions within a program. In this guide from Devyra, you’ll learn the full range of Python operators, including how they are categorized and used in different scenarios.
What Are Python Operators?
Operators allow developers to perform operations like addition, comparison, logical evaluation, and more. For instance, the + operator is used to add two numbers:
print(10 + 5)Python operators are classified into the following categories:
- Arithmetic Operators
- Assignment Operators
- Comparison Operators
- Logical Operators
- Identity Operators
- Membership Operators
- Bitwise Operators
Python Arithmetic Operators
Used for performing common mathematical calculations:
| Operator | Name | Example |
|---|---|---|
| + | Addition | x + y |
| – | Subtraction | x – y |
| * | Multiplication | x * y |
| / | Division | x / y |
| % | Modulus | x % y |
| ** | Exponentiation | x ** y |
| // | Floor Division | x // y |
Python Assignment Operators
Used to assign values to variables:
| Operator | Example | Same As |
|---|---|---|
| = | x = 5 | x = 5 |
| += | x += 3 | x = x + 3 |
| -= | x -= 3 | x = x – 3 |
| *= | x *= 3 | x = x * 3 |
| /= | x /= 3 | x = x / 3 |
| %= | x %= 3 | x = x % 3 |
| //= | x //= 3 | x = x // 3 |
| **= | x **= 3 | x = x ** 3 |
| &= | x &= 3 | x = x & 3 |
| |= | x |= 3 | x = x | 3 |
| ^= | x ^= 3 | x = x ^ 3 |
| >>= | x >>= 3 | x = x >> 3 |
| <<= | x <<= 3 | x = x << 3 |
| := | x := 3 | x = 3 (Walrus Operator) |
Python Comparison Operators
Used to compare values and return Boolean outcomes:
| Operator | Name | Example |
|---|---|---|
| == | Equal | x == y |
| != | Not equal | x != y |
| > | Greater than | x > y |
| < | Less than | x < y |
| >= | Greater than or equal to | x >= y |
| <= | Less than or equal to | x <= y |
Python Logical Operators
Used to combine conditional statements:
| Operator | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| and | True if both are true | x < 5 and x < 10 |
| or | True if at least one is true | x < 5 or x < 4 |
| not | Reverses the result | not(x < 5 and x < 10) |
