# Python ternary operators

Ternary operators, also known as conditional expressions, provide a shorter syntax for writing an if-else statement in Python. Here's how they work.

### TLDR - The **Syntax:**

```python
value_if_true if condition else value_if_false
```

This structure first checks the `condition`. If it's `True`, the expression returns `value_if_true`. Otherwise, it returns `value_if_false`.

**Examples:**

1. Let's determine the smallest of two numbers:
    

```python
a = 10
b = 20
smallest = a if a < b else b
print(smallest) # 10
```

1. Now let's write a single line of code to check if a number is even or odd:
    

```python
num = 7
result = "Even" if num % 2 == 0 else "Odd"
print(result) # Odd
```

Ternary operators are a powerful tool that can make your Python code more concise and readable. Just remember: if the logic becomes too complex, a traditional if-else statement might be easier to understand.