Comparing Data Types:

In Python, you can compare data types using the type() function. This function returns the data type of a variable or expression. Here's how it's used:

Python
x = 5
y = "hello"
z = [1, 2, 3]

print(type(x))  # Output: <class 'int'> (integer)
print(type(y))  # Output: <class 'str'> (string)
print(type(z))  # Output: <class 'list'> (list)
 

Conditional Expressions:

Conditional expressions, also known as ternary expressions, provide a concise way to assign a value based on a condition. They follow this format:

Python
condition ? expression_if_true : expression_if_false
 

The condition is evaluated. If it's True, the expression before the colon (expression_if_true) is assigned. Otherwise, the expression after the colon (expression_if_false) is assigned.

Example:

Python
age = 17
is_adult = age >= 18

# Using a conditional expression
adult_message = "You are an adult." if is_adult else "You are not an adult."

print(adult_message)  # Output: "You are not an adult."
 

Combining Data Type Checking and Conditional Expressions:

You can combine data type checking with conditional expressions to handle different data types or perform operations based on the type. Here's an example:

Python
value = "10"

# Check if the value is a number and convert if possible
converted_value = int(value) if value.isdigit() else value

print(converted_value)  # Output: "10" (remains a string as conversion fails)

# Alternative with different output if conversion fails
converted_value = int(value) if value.isdigit() else "Not a valid number"

print(converted_value)  # Output: "Not a valid number"

In this example, we check if value consists only of digits (isdigit()) and attempt conversion to an integer using int(). If the conversion fails (because it's not a number), the original string value is assigned. Alternatively, you can provide a different output for unsuccessful conversions.

Key Points:

  • The type() function helps determine the data type of a variable or expression.
  • Conditional expressions offer a compact way for conditional assignment.
  • You can combine data type checks with conditional expressions for more versatile logic.

By effectively using these techniques, you can write code that adapts to different data types and performs operations accordingly.