Control Flow: if, elif, else

Control flow lets your program make decisions. Instead of running every line from top to bottom, your code can choose different paths based on conditions. The if, elif, and else statements are the foundation of decision-making in Python.

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The if Statement

The simplest form of a conditional — run a block of code only if a condition is True:

age = 18

if age >= 18:
    print("You are an adult.")
    print("You can vote.")

print("This always runs.")

Output:

You are an adult.
You can vote.
This always runs.

Key syntax:

• The condition is followed by a colon :
• The body is indented (4 spaces)
• No parentheses needed around the condition (though they are allowed)

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if...else

Provide an alternative path when the condition is False:

temperature = 35

if temperature > 30:
    print("It's hot outside!")
else:
    print("The weather is pleasant.")

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if...elif...else

Use elif (short for "else if") for multiple conditions:

score = 75