What is the purpose of the else block in Python?

The else block provides an alternative execution path that runs automatically if the preceding if condition evaluates to False.

What is Python's ternary conditional operator syntax?

Python's ternary operator is written as: value_if_true if condition else value_if_false.

Python If-Else Statements: Two-Way Decision Making & Ternary Expressions

While a standalone if statement provides a one-way branch, real-world programming frequently demands two-way decision making: do action A if a condition is met; otherwise, do action B. The if-else statement guarantees that exactly one of the two execution blocks will run.

1. Syntax and Flow of If-Else

if condition:
    # Executes when condition is True
    statement_block_1
else:
    # Executes when condition is False
    statement_block_2

Practical Example: Even or Odd Number Checker

number = 27

if number % 2 == 0:
    print(f"{number} is an EVEN number.")
else:
    print(f"{number} is an ODD number.")

2. Python Ternary Operator (One-Line Conditional Expression)

Python provides an elegant inline syntax to assign values based on a condition:

# Syntax: result = x if condition else y
marks = 68
status = "PASSED" if marks >= 40 else "FAILED"
print("Examination Status:", status)

# Finding maximum of two numbers:
a, b = 45, 78
max_val = a if a > b else b
print("Maximum:", max_val)