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Understanding Python’s `<>` Operator: What It Signifies in Code

By adminPosted on January 18, 2024

Python programming language has become increasingly popular in recent years because of its clean syntax, ease of use, and versatility. As a programmer using Python, you may have come across the `<>` operator, which can be quite perplexing to understand for many. Contrary to what some may believe, the `<>` operator is not a syntax error or an outdated version of the inequality operator but another variation of it! Understanding the meaning of the `<>` operator plays an essential role in leveraging its power to write efficient code that runs smoothly. In this article, we will explore the `<>` operator in detail, giving context to its values and when to use it. Whether you are a seasoned Python developer or someone new to the language, this article is for you. In the end, you will have a clear understanding of how to use the `<>` operator to your advantage, saving you time and resources while building powerful Python programs. So, buckle up and get ready to discover the hidden power behind the `<>` operator in Python programming. Read on for a thorough breakdown of the operator that will help you better understand its role and significance within Python code.

- Understanding Python's `<>` Operator: What It Signifies in Code

“What Does `<>` Mean In Python?” ~ bbaz

IntroductionUnderstanding Python’s `<>` Operator is essential for Python developers as it plays a vital role in defining conditionals in their code. In this article, we will discuss the `<>` operator, its functions, and how it signifies in various codes.The `<>` OperatorThe `<>` operator comes from the comparison operator family and means ‘not equal to.’ This operator is used in Python 2.x versions; however, the newer Python 3.x versions have replaced `<>` with `!=` operator.Python Comparison Operators

Operator

Description

Example

Less Than

x < y

Greater Than

x > y

Equal To

x == y

Not Equal To

x != y

Less Than or Equal To

x <= y

Greater Than or Equal To

x >= y

How to Use `<>` Operator in Your CodeTo use the `<>` operator in your code, you need to follow these steps:

Add the `<>` operator in your code (e.g., x <> y)

Compare the two variables with this operator

Execute the code

Check the output

If the output is `True`, it means the two variables are not equal

If the output is `False`, it means the two variables are equal

Example CodeLet’s see an example code using the `<>` operator:“`x = 10y = 5if x <> y: print(x is not equal to y)else: print(x is equal to y)“`In this example, since `x` is not equal to `y`, the if condition is true and x is not equal to y is printed as an output.Why `<>` Operator is Deprecated in Python 3.xThe `<>` operator is deprecated in Python 3.x and replaced with `!=` because of the following reasons:

Since `<>` is not used in other programming languages, it conflicts with other programmers’ knowledge and causes confusion.

The `<>` operator is not available in many text editors, which makes coding difficult for Python developers.

It is difficult to find and replace the `<>` operator when a Python developer converts their code to other languages, preventing code reusability.

ConclusionOverall, understanding Python’s `<>` operator is essential for Python developers to build accurate conditionals in their code. Although Python 3.x has replaced `<>` with `!=`, it remains familiar to many Python 2.x developers. As a beginner, it is critical to know how and when to use the `<>` operator in your code, and as an experienced developer, you should consider using Python 3.x and the current efficient `!=` operator. Thank you for taking the time to read our article about the `<>` operator in Python. We hope that you have gained a better understanding of what it signifies in code and how to properly use it in your programming practices. The `<>` operator in Python is a comparison operator that denotes not equal to. It is essentially the same as the != operator, but was used in older versions of Python. Understanding the usage of this operator can help you write more concise and effective code, especially when doing conditional statements or writing loops. In summary, the `<>` operator in Python is a valuable tool in your programming arsenal. It allows you to quickly compare values and determine whether they are equal or not. Utilizing this operator can help you write cleaner code and avoid potential errors or bugs. We hope that you continue to learn and grow as a programmer, and that you found our article helpful in your journey. When working with Python code, you may come across the `<>` operator and wonder what it signifies. Here are some common questions that people ask about this operator, along with their answers:

What does the `<>` operator mean in Python?

The `<>` operator in Python is used to represent inequality. It checks whether two values are not equal to each other.

Is `<>` the same as `!=` in Python?

No, `<>` and `!=` are not the same in Python. The `<>` operator is used in Python 2.x, while `!=` is used in Python 3.x.

Can I use `<>` in Python 3.x?

No, you cannot use `<>` in Python 3.x. It has been removed from the language, and you must use `!=` instead.

How do I use `<>` in Python 2.x?

To use `<>` in Python 2.x, you simply write it between two values that you want to compare for inequality. For example, `5 <> 4` would return `True`, since 5 is not equal to 4.