Expressions in Python

Expressions serve as representations of value. An expression can be any string since it not only expresses the value of the string but also uses it.

Some of Python's more complex building blocks allow you to express values, also known as expressions. Every new idea can feel like a puzzle when just starting with programming. One of the most fundamental components of Python Basics is expressions, so let's break them down for you.

What Is Expression in Python?

Expressions in Python combine operators, variables, literals, and function calls to produce a value. The programming language uses distinct expressions for diverse purposes. Relational expressions compare values and return Booleans in Python, while arithmetic expressions compute numbers. Decision-making requires Boolean values from logical expressions like and, or, and. 

Complex expressions may involve numerous operators and types. Operator precedence determines operation order in such circumstances. A defined operator precedence hierarchy in Python ensures proper expression evaluation. Programmers have additional control by changing the evaluation order with parentheses. Python code efficiency depends on understanding expression types and operator precedence rules.

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Types of Expression in Python

Operators are special symbols for many math processes, such as multiplication, division, subtraction, addition, and exponentiation. Some numbers are always sent through the operators, called operands. Python has many built-in operators for handling logical and mathematical problems. Eight distinct operators are often used in Python. Additionally, Python Functions can be combined with these operators to perform complex calculations and operations. Let’s now learn about expressions in Python using an example here.

Constant Expressions

Python constant expressions always return the same value. These include constant values like numbers or string literals that don't change during program execution. Constants are names for values that don't change throughout program execution. Python programmers frequently use constants. 

Example 

# Constant Expressions 

a = 10 + 1.3

  

print(a)

Output

11.3

Arithmetic Expression

Numerical values, operators, and, in some cases, parenthesis make up an arithmetic expression. This form of expression also yields a numerical value. Arithmetic operators, such as addition, subtraction, etc., are utilized in these expressions. Python provides the following arithmetic operators:

Types of Operators

Name

Functioning

Operator Sign

Syntax

Addition

Plus

+

x+y

Subtraction

Minus

-

x-y

Multiplication

Asterisk

*

x*y

Division

Forward Slash

/

x/y

Modulus

Remainder 

%

x%y

Exponentiation

Caret

**

x**y

Floor Division

Double Slash

//

x//y

Example 

Here is how arithmetic operations are carried out: 

  • Operators are ranked according to their importance.
  • The operation's output type is determined according to the principles of implicit type conversions.
  • Following the execution of all suboperations, the final output is acquired.

Addition:

a = 10

b = 5

c = a + b # c will get 15

Subtraction:

a = 10

b = 5

c = a - b # c will get 5

Multiplication:

a = 3

b = 5

c = a * b # c will get 15

Division:

a = 7

b = 3

c = a / b Since Python division returns a floating value, c will get 2.3333

Modulus:

a = 10

b = 5

c = a % b # c will get 2

Exponentiation:

a = 9

b = 3

c = a ** b # c will get 729

Floor Division:

a = 15

b = 4

c = a // b # c will get 3

These lines are arithmetic expressions that compute and assign results to variables. These expressions underpin Python math calculations.

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Integral Expressions

These expressions yield integer results after computations and type conversions. These include integer-only arithmetic and integer-specific functions.

Example 

# Integral Expressions 

a = 15

b = 11.0

  

c = a + int(b) 

print(c)

Output

26

Floating Expressions

Python's Float function transforms values into floating point numbers. Floating point numbers are decimal or fractional numbers like 112.3, 1345.92, and 4581.147, while integers are 64, 8, and 45. Python's float function converts values to decimal or fractional numbers. Python's float function converts integers and real numbers into floating point numbers.  

Example 

# Floating Expressions 

a = 11

b = 2

  

c = a / b 

print(c)

Output

5.5

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Relational Expressions

Python's comparison operators (<, >, ==, !=, <=, >=) establish operand relationships. Relational operations prioritize similarly, so examine what comes first. All relational expressions return Booleans - FALSE or TRUE. They enable value comparison, conditional execution, data filtering, validation, and algorithm efficiency. Programmers need relational operators to create complex logical conditions and improve software functionality and interactivity.

Meaning

Operator

Syntax

Equal to

==

x == y

Not equal to

!=

x != y

Greater Than

>

x > y

Greater Than or Equal to

>=

x >= y

Less Than

<

x < y

Less Than or Equal to

<=

x <= y

Example 

print(5 == 5)  # True

print(3 == 4)  # False


print("happy" != "happy")  # False

print(8 != 9)  # True


print(4 > 2)  # True

print(2 > 9)  # False


print(9 >= 9)  # True

print(3 >= 8)  # False


print(1 < 6)  # True

print(9 < 4)  # False


print(1 <= 5)  # True

print(8 <= 3)  # False

Logical Expressions

Python's decision-making and control flow architectures depend on logical expressions. Developers can use these expressions to conduct logical operations on True or False Boolean data. Conditional statements and expressions require logical expressions to execute complicated decision-making procedures in Python systems.

Operator

Functioning

Syntax

AND

If both operands are True and return True, otherwise, it is False.

A and B

OR

The OR operator gives True if one operand is True and False otherwise.

A or B

NOT

In boolean notation, the NOT operator returns the inverse of the operand. It returns False if the operand is not True and True otherwise.

not A

Example 

a = (14 == 5) 

b = (8 > 4) 

  

# Logical Expressions 

P = a and b 

Q = a or b

R = not a 

  

print(P) 

print(Q) 

print(R)

Output

False

True

True

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Bitwise Expressions

Calculating integers bitwise requires bitwise expressions. Bitwise operators convert numbers to binary and perform operations bit by bit. Python bitwise operators only work on integers and return decimals. Python bitwise operators incorporate AND (&), OR (|), NOT (~), XOR (^), Left-shift ( ), and Right-shift (>>). They enable binary bit data/operand manipulation.

Symbol

Name

Syntax

Functioning

&

Bitwise And

A & B

If both right and left operand bits are 1, the result is 1; otherwise, 0.

|

Bitwise Or

A | B

If any operand bit is 1, the result is 1; otherwise, it is 0.

~

Bitwise Not

~A

This unary bitwise operator flips integer/operand bits.

^

Bitwise Xor

A ^ B

If both left and right operand bits are 0 or 1, the result is 0. Otherwise, it is 1.

<<

Bitwise Left Shift

A>>n

The bit shift operator moves the left operand by the right operand's bits.

>>

Bitwise Right Shift

A<<n

This bit shift operator moves the left operand by the right operand's bits.

Example 

#bitwise AND

a = 9

b = 13 

print(a & b)


#bitwise OR

a = 12

b = 6 

print(a | b)


#bitwise NOT 

a = 543

print(~a)


#bitwise XOR

a = 3

b = 10

print(a ^ b)


#bitwise left shift

a = 13

print(a << 1) 

print(a << 3)


#bitwise right shift

a = 120

print(a >> 1) 

print(a >> 3)

Output

9


14


-543


9


26

104


60

15

Combinational Expressions

Combinations in Python combine arithmetic, relational, logical, and bitwise operations in one statement. These expressions make sophisticated evaluations and judgments using operators and operands. Python evaluates these expressions using operator precedence.

Example 

# Combinational Expressions

a = 15

b = 12

c = a + (b >> 1)

print (c)

Output

22

Conclusion

Understanding operator precedence, which orders operations in an expression, is crucial to Python expressions. It's vital in Python programming to understand this precedence to avoid unwanted consequences. For good Python programming, one must realize expressions and their evaluation criteria. Expressions are fundamental to Python coding because they let programmers produce more accurate, efficient, and readable code.

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FAQs

1. How do expressions differ from statements in Python?

Expressions produce values that the function receives. Statements can't be function parameters because they don't provide a value.

2. Can an expression contain other expressions?

Compound expressions can be written by combining expressions if all operators have the correct types.

3. What is the difference between a literal and an expression?

Any literal is an expression, but not all expressions are literal. A literal represents a fixed value in the source code. Literals include 'a', "a", Object.class, and 1. Due to their single value, they are expressions known at build time.

4. Can functions be part of expressions?

Many function calls—to predefined or user-defined methods—can be contained in an expression.

5. How do you create a lambda expression in Python?

Small, one-time-use functions in Python are called lambda functions or anonymous functions. A function definition consists of the function's expression, its arguments, a colon, and the lambda keyword.

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