Operators

An operator is a symbol or keyword that tells Python to perform a specific operation on one or more values (also called operands). Operators allow you to perform tasks like adding numbers, comparing values, assigning results to variables, or evaluating logical conditions.

Types of operators

In Python, just like in other languages, there are a variety of operator types which we will teach you below.

Arithmetic Operators

These are the most basic operators and are used to perform mathematical operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division. Python uses them to work with numbers directly.

Operator	Description
+	Addition
-	Subtraction
*	Multiplication
/	Division (float result)
//	Integer division
%	Modulo (remainder)
**	Power

Operators.py

x = 12
y = 24

print(x + y)   # Result: 36
print(x - y)   # Result: -12
print(x * y)   # Result: 288
print(x / y)   # Result: 0.5
print(x // y)  # Result: 0
print(x % y)   # Result: 12

Challenge

# What number do you get when using x ** y?
# Hint: it's 12 raised to the 24th power. Very big!

Comparison Operators

These operators allow you to compare two values. The result of a comparison is always a boolean value: True if the condition is met, and False if not.

Operator	Description
==	Equal to
!=	Not equal to
>	Greater than
<	Less than
>=	Greater than or equal to
<=	Less than or equal to

Operators.py

print(5 == 5)   # Result: True
print(5 != 3)   # Result: True
print(7 > 3)   # Result: True
print(2 < 4)   # Result: True
print(6 >= 6)  # Result: True
print(3 <= 5)   # Result: True

Assignment Operators

Assignment operators are symbols used in programming to assign a value to a variable. The most common assignment operator is the equals sign (=), but there are also compound assignment operators that combine an operation with assignment.

Operator	Description
=	Assignment
+=	Addition and assignment
-=	Subtraction and assignment
*=	Multiplication and assignment
/=	Division and assignment
%=	Modulo and assignment
//=	Integer division and assignment
**=	Power and assignment

Operators.py

print(x = 5)   # Assigns the value 5 to x
print(x += 3)   # x = x + 3
print(x -= 2)   # x = x - 2
print(x *= 4)   # x = x * 4
print(x /= 2)   # x = x / 2
print(x %= 3)  # x = x % 3
print(x //= 2)   # x = x // 2
print(x **= 3)   # x = x ** 3

Logical Operators

They are used to combine multiple conditions and get a boolean result. They are usually used in control structures like conditionals.

Operator	Description	Example	Result
and	True if both conditions are true	True and False	False
or	True if at least one condition is true	True or False	True
not	Inverts the value of the condition	not True	False