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Python Academy · Lesson

if / elif / else Statements

Write conditional logic to branch program execution.

Lesson 1 of 414 steps

if / elif / else Statements is a free Python Academy lesson on CoddyKit. This is lesson 1 of 4. You can read the complete lesson below for free — then practise it hands-on in the browser with a built-in code editor and a 24/7 AI tutor. It is part of the Python Academy learning path, and your progress syncs across the web and the CoddyKit app. The Python Academy course includes 4 lessons in total.

Introduction

Conditional statements let your program choose different execution paths based on boolean expressions.

Basic if Statement

if condition: runs the indented block when condition is truthy. Indentation (4 spaces) defines the block — no braces needed.
x = 10
if x > 0:
    print('positive')

if / else

else: catches all cases where the condition is False. Every if can have at most one else.
x = -5
if x >= 0:
    print('non-negative')
else:
    print('negative')

elif Chains

elif adds more conditions. Python evaluates top-to-bottom and runs the first True branch only.
score = 75
if score >= 90:
    print('A')
elif score >= 80:
    print('B')
elif score >= 70:
    print('C')
else:
    print('F')

Nested if Statements

You can nest ifs inside other blocks. Keep nesting shallow (max 2-3 levels) for readability.
x, y = 5, 10
if x > 0:
    if y > 0:
        print('both positive')

Ternary Expression

result = 'yes' if condition else 'no' is a one-liner conditional. Use it for simple assignments, not complex logic.
x = 7
parity = 'odd' if x % 2 else 'even'
print(parity)

Truthy and Falsy Values

0, '', [], {}, None, and False are falsy. Everything else is truthy. if my_list: is Pythonic for 'if not empty'.
lst = []
if not lst:
    print('list is empty')

Chained Comparisons

Python supports 0 < x < 10 directly — no need for and. This is both readable and evaluated efficiently.
x = 5
if 0 < x < 10:
    print('between 0 and 10')

in and not in

if x in [1, 2, 3]: checks membership. if key not in d: checks dict absence. Cleaner than multiple or conditions.
day = 'Monday'
if day in ['Saturday', 'Sunday']:
    print('weekend')
else:
    print('weekday')

is and is not

Use is to compare identity (same object). is None is the correct way to check for None, not == None.
x = None
if x is None:
    print('no value')

match Statement (Python 3.10+)

match value: case 1: ... case 2: ... case _: ... is Python's structural pattern matching — more powerful than a chain of elif.
cmd = 'quit'
match cmd:
    case 'quit':
        print('exiting')
    case _:
        print('unknown')

Quick Check

Which Python 3.10+ statement provides structural pattern matching?
Answer it in the interactive lesson

Recap

if/elif/else for branching. Ternary: x if cond else y. Falsy: 0, '', [], {}, None. Use chained comparisons, in/not in, is/is not for clarity.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the “if / elif / else Statements” lesson free?

Yes — the full text of “if / elif / else Statements” is free to read here on the web. To practise it interactively (a built-in code editor and a 24/7 AI tutor) and unlock the rest of the Python Academy course, upgrade to CoddyKit PRO. The Python Academy course includes 4 lessons in total.

What will I learn in “if / elif / else Statements”?

Write conditional logic to branch program execution. You practise Python Academy with hands-on code you run directly in the browser, and a 24/7 AI tutor answers your questions as you work through the lesson.

Do I need any experience to start Python Academy?

No prior experience is required. Python Academy on CoddyKit is structured for beginners through advanced learners, so you can start here or from the beginning and move at your own pace. This is lesson 1 of 4.

How long does the “if / elif / else Statements” lesson take?

Most CoddyKit lessons take about 5–10 minutes. Each one is bite-sized and interactive, so you make steady progress and pick up exactly where you left off across the web and the app.

Can I write and run code in this Python Academy lesson?

Yes. Every Python Academy lesson includes a built-in code editor, so you write and run real code right in your browser and get instant AI feedback — no local setup required.

All lessons in this course

  1. if / elif / else Statements
  2. for Loops and range()
  3. while Loops and Loop Control
  4. Nested Loops and Loop Patterns
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