Now that conditional operators are clear, they can be used to make the code branch based on specific conditions. In Python, this is achieved using the following structure:

```python
if condition:
    # Execute this if the `condition` is `True`
else:
    # Execute this if the `condition` is `False`
```

The `condition` can be a conditional statement or a boolean value. The commands under `if` and `else` are executed based on whether the condition is met. These commands can include operations like printing, variable assignments, arithmetic, or string manipulations.

# Initialize a boolean variable
is_active = True

if is_active:
    # Execute this block if `is_active` is `True`
    print("The system is active")
else:
    # Execute this block if `is_active` is `False`
    print("The system is inactive")

Each block of code under `if` and `else` must have consistent indentation. Using inconsistent indentation will result in an error, causing the code to fail.

What is the purpose of an `if/else` statement in Python?

Python is an interpreted high-level general-purpose programming language. Unlike HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, which are primarily used for web development, Python is versatile and can be used in various fields, including software development, data science, and back-end development. In this course, you'll explore the core aspects of Python, and by the end, you'll be crafting your own functions!

Dive into the basics of Python, explore your workspace, and perform simple math operations. Learn how to write readable code using comments and handle both basic and advanced mathematical expressions while displaying your results.

Learn how to store and manage data in Python by working with numbers, text, and variables. Understand how to assign values, follow naming conventions, and explore different data types. Gain hands-on experience with string operations, indexing, slicing, and memory recall techniques to efficiently manipulate text in Python.

Learn how to use comparison and logical operators, work with conditional expressions, and apply membership and type comparisons. Build a strong foundation in writing programs that respond dynamically to different conditions using if/else and if/elif/else structures.

Expand your understanding of data types by learning how to group multiple attributes within a single variable. Explore lists, tuples, and dictionaries to efficiently store and manage structured data, along with essential methods for manipulation and retrieval.

Master the art of writing loops in Python—essential constructs for iterating over lists, tuples, dictionaries, and other data structures. Learn to use while and for loops effectively, explore the range function, and work with nested loops to handle complex iteration patterns.

Explore essential built-in functions in Python and take the next step by creating your own. Learn how to define functions, use conditional logic, modify existing functions, and work with lambda expressions to write efficient, reusable code.

How to Use if/else Expressions in Python