Conditional Statements in Python: Hidden Logic for Smart Decisions

By Rohit Sharma

Updated on Oct 16, 2025 | 15 min read | 10.62K+ views

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Conditional statements in Python control the flow of your code by making decisions based on specific conditions. They allow your program to execute certain actions only when a condition is met, using statements like if, elif, and else. This logic forms the foundation for intelligent behavior in Python programs, whether it’s validating inputs, processing data, or automating real-time responses. 

In this blog, you will get a complete walkthrough of conditional statements in Python. We will start with the absolute basics, explore how to handle multiple conditions, and dive into more complex scenarios. You will see practical code examples, learn best practices to avoid common mistakes, and build a solid foundation for writing more powerful and logical Python code. By the end, you'll understand how to control the flow of your programs and make them respond intelligently to different situations. 

Looking to sharpen your Python programming skills further? Explore upGrad’s Software Engineering courses. Designed with hands-on projects and mentorship to help you master core concepts like OOP in Python, control flow, and beyond. Enroll today! 

What Are Conditional Statements in Python? 

At its core, programming is about giving a computer a set of instructions. But what if you want those instructions to change based on certain situations? That's where decision-making logic comes in, and the foundation of this logic is the conditional statement.  

So, what is conditional statement in Python? It's a command that lets your program perform different actions depending on whether a specific condition is true or false. It’s the primary way to control the flow of your code. 

Imagine you are building a simple login system. You only want to grant access if the user enters the correct password. This "if the password is correct" part is the condition. Conditional statements in Python allow you to write this logic formally. The program checks the condition, and if it evaluates to True, it runs a specific block of code. If it's False, it can either do nothing or execute a different block of code. 

The most basic building block for this is the if statement. Its syntax is simple and intuitive: 

Python 
if condition: 
    # Code to execute if the condition is True 
 

Let’s break this down: 

  • if: This is the keyword that starts the conditional statement. 
  • condition: This is an expression that Python evaluates to either True or False. This could be a comparison, like age > 18 or password == "secret123". 
  • colon (:): This is crucial. It marks the end of the condition and tells Python that the indented block of code that follows is what should be executed if the condition is true. 
  • Indented code block: In Python, indentation is not just for looks; it’s a rule. The code that should run when the condition is true must be indented. This is how Python groups statements together. 

Also Read: Python Cheat Sheet: From Fundamentals to Advanced Concepts for 2025 

Here is a simple example. Let's write a program that tells a user they can vote if they are 18 or older. 

Python 
age = 20 
 
if age >= 18: 
    print("You are eligible to vote!") 
 
print("The program has ended.") 
 

In this code, Python checks if the value of age (which is 20) is greater than or equal to 18. Since 20 >= 18 is True, it executes the indented line and prints "You are eligible to vote!". The final print statement runs regardless because it is not indented under the if statement. This demonstrates how conditional statements in Python direct the program's path. 

Understanding what are conditional statements in Python is the first step toward writing code that can adapt and respond. They move you from writing static scripts that do the same thing every time to creating dynamic programs that can handle variability and user input. 

Also Read: 12 Incredible Applications of Python You Should Know About 

Expanding Your Logic: The if-else and if-elif-else Chains 

The simple if statement is great when you only want to do something when a condition is true. But what about when it's false? In many cases, you'll want to provide an alternative action. This is where the else statement comes in, creating a complete if-else block. The else keyword provides a block of code that runs only when the if condition evaluates to False. 

This creates a clear, two-path decision. Think of it as "If this is true, do this; otherwise, do that." It ensures that one of the two blocks of code will always be executed. 

The syntax looks like this: 

Python 
if condition: 
    # Code to execute if the condition is True 
else: 
    # Code to execute if the condition is False 
 

Let's enhance our voting example. We can now provide a message for users who are not eligible. This is a perfect use for conditional statements in Python with examples that show both outcomes. 

Python 
age = 16 
 
if age >= 18: 
    print("You are eligible to vote!") 
else: 
    print("Sorry, you are not yet eligible to vote.") 
 

Here, since age is 16, the condition age >= 18 is False. The program skips the if block and jumps directly to the else block, printing the second message. 

Now, what if you have more than two possible paths? For instance, in a grading system, you might have different outcomes for A, B, C, D, or F. Chaining multiple if-else statements would be messy. This is the problem that elif (short for "else if") solves. The elif statement lets you check for multiple conditions in a sequence. 

Also Read: Control Flow Statements in Python 

The if-elif-else chain works like this: 

  1. Python checks the if condition first. If it's true, it runs that block and skips the rest of the chain. 
  2. If the if condition is false, it moves to the first elif and checks its condition. If that's true, it runs the elif block and skips the rest. 
  3. It continues down the chain of elif statements until it finds one that is true. 
  4. If none of the if or elif conditions are true, the final else block is executed as a fallback. 

Here's a practical example of a grading system using an if-elif-else chain, a classic showcase for conditional statements in Python

Python 
score = 85 
 
if score >= 90: 
    grade = "A" 
elif score >= 80: 
    grade = "B" 
elif score >= 70: 
    grade = "C" 
elif score >= 60: 
    grade = "D" 
else: 
    grade = "F" 
 
print(f"Your grade is: {grade}") 
 

In this case, the score is 85. 

  • Is 85 >= 90? False. Move on. 
  • Is 85 >= 80? True. Set grade to "B" and exit the conditional chain. 

The program prints "Your grade is: B". The elif structure provides a clean and readable way to handle multiple, mutually exclusive options. It's an essential tool for writing clear and efficient conditional statements in Python. 

Also Read: Exception Handling in Python: Handling Exception Using Try Except 

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Nesting and Combining Conditions for Complex Decisions 

Once you're comfortable with if-elif-else chains, you can start building even more sophisticated logic. Real-world problems often require checking multiple conditions at once. Python provides two powerful ways to do this: nesting conditional statements and using logical operators. 

Nesting conditional statements means placing one conditional statement inside another. This creates a layered, or hierarchical, decision-making process. The inner if statement is only evaluated if the outer if condition is True. 

Imagine you are building a feature for an e-commerce site that offers a special discount. The criteria are: the user must be a premium member, and their order total must be over $50. You can implement this with a nested if. 

Python 
is_premium_member = True 
order_total = 75 
 
if is_premium_member: 
    print("Welcome, Premium Member!") 
    if order_total > 50: 
        print("You get a 10% discount on this order!") 
    else: 
        print("Add more items to your cart to get a discount.") 
else: 
    print("Sign up for premium to unlock exclusive discounts.") 
 

In this example, the check for order_total > 50 only happens if is_premium_member is True. This structure is useful when one condition is dependent on another. However, deep nesting can make code hard to read. 

Also Read: Object Oriented Programming Concept in Python 

A cleaner way to handle multiple criteria is often with logical operators. These operators let you combine multiple conditions into a single expression. The three main logical operators in Python are: 

Operator  Description  Example 
and  Returns True if both conditions are true.  age > 18 and has_id 
or  Returns True if at least one condition is true.  is_weekend or is_holiday 
not  Reverses the result; returns False if the result is true, and vice-versa.  not is_logged_in 

Let's rewrite the e-commerce discount logic using the and operator. This is a common pattern seen in conditional statements in Python with examples

Python 
is_premium_member = True 
order_total = 75 
 
if is_premium_member and order_total > 50: 
    print("Welcome, Premium Member! You get a 10% discount.") 
else: 
    print("No discount applied. Check discount criteria.") 
 

This version is much more concise and often easier to read. It checks both conditions in a single line. The message is printed only if the user is a premium member and their order total is greater than 50. 

The or operator is useful when multiple conditions can trigger an action. For example, a user gets free shipping if their order is over $100 or if they have a special coupon code. 

Python 
order_total = 120 
has_coupon = False 
 
if order_total > 100 or has_coupon: 
    print("Congratulations! You qualify for free shipping.") 
else: 
    print("Standard shipping fees apply.") 
 

Combining and nesting conditions are powerful features of conditional statements in Python. They allow you to model complex real-world rules and logic within your programs, making them smarter and more capable. 

Also Read: Data Analysis Using Python [Everything You Need to Know] 

Best Practices and Common Pitfalls 

Writing functional conditional statements in Python is one thing, but writing them well is another. Following best practices makes your code more readable, efficient, and less prone to bugs. At the same time, being aware of common pitfalls can save you hours of debugging. Here’s a guide to writing better conditional logic. 

Best Practices for Clean Conditional Statements 

  1. Keep it Simple and Readable: The goal is clarity. A long, complex if statement with multiple and and or operators can be difficult to understand. If a condition becomes too complex, consider breaking it down into a helper function that returns True or False. 
  2. Bad: if (user.is_active and user.has_permission('edit') and not user.is_banned) or user.is_admin: 
  3. Good
Python 
def can_edit_post(user): 
    is_editor = user.is_active and user.has_permission('edit') and not user.is_banned 
    return is_editor or user.is_admin 
 
if can_edit_post(current_user): 
    # ... do something 
 
  1. Avoid Deep Nesting: Nesting if statements more than two or three levels deep can make code very hard to follow. This is often called the "arrow anti-pattern" because the code starts to drift to the right. Try to refactor deeply nested code using logical operators or by restructuring the logic. 
  2. Use Truthiness Wisely: Python has a concept of "truthiness" where non-empty objects (like strings, lists, and numbers other than 0) are treated as True. You can use this to write more concise code. 
  3. Verbose: if len(my_list) > 0: 
  4. Pythonic: if my_list: 

Also Read: Top 10 Python Framework for Web Development 

Common Pitfalls to Avoid 

  1. Using = (Assignment) instead of == (Comparison): This is one of the most common bugs for beginners. A single equals sign (=) is for assigning a value to a variable. A double equals sign (==) is for checking if two values are equal. 
  2. Wrong: if user_name = "admin": (This will cause a syntax error in Python) 
  3. Correct: if user_name == "admin": 
  4. Forgetting the Colon (:): Every if, elif, and else line must end with a colon. Forgetting it will result in a SyntaxError. It's a small detail that's easy to miss when you're starting out. 
  5. Incorrect Indentation: Python uses indentation to define code blocks. All code inside a conditional block must be indented consistently (usually with four spaces). Incorrect indentation will lead to an IndentationError or, worse, cause your logic to behave in unexpected ways. 
Python 
# This will NOT work correctly 
weather = "sunny" 
if weather == "sunny": 
print("Wear sunglasses!") # IndentationError! 
print("Enjoy the day!") 
 
  1. Misunderstanding if vs. if-elif: Remember that in an if-elif-else chain, only one block of code is ever executed. If you use a series of separate if statements, each one is checked independently. 
  2. This runs only one block
Python 
score = 95 
if score >= 90: print("A") 
elif score >= 50: print("Pass") # This is skipped 
 
  1. This could run multiple blocks
Python 
score = 95 
if score >= 90: print("A") 
if score >= 50: print("Pass") # This also runs 
 

By keeping these practices in mind, you will write conditional statements in Python that are not only correct but also clean and maintainable, a key skill for any successful developer. 

Also Read: Python vs. Java: Choosing the Right Language for Your Project 

How Can upGrad Help You Master Conditional Statements in Python and Beyond? 

Conditional statements in Python help you build programs that think and respond. From simple if conditions to nested logic and ternary expressions, they’re what let your code make smart decisions based on different inputs. 

But knowing the syntax isn't enough. To get confident with conditional logic, you need to practice, write code, solve problems, and build real projects. 

That’s where upGrad can help. If you're just getting started with Python or want to sharpen your skills, upGrad’s software development courses walk you through conditional statements, data structures, and more. 

Here are some additional courses that can boost your programming journey and prepare you for real-world development: 

Not sure how conditional statements in Python are applied in real-world projects? Connect with upGrad’s expert counselors or drop by your nearest upGrad offline center to discover a personalized learning path aligned with your goals. 

 

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the main purpose of a conditional statement?

The main purpose of a conditional statement is to control the flow of a program's execution. It allows the program to make decisions and perform different actions based on whether a specific condition evaluates to true or false, making the code dynamic and responsive. 

2. Can I have an if statement without an else block?

Yes, you can absolutely have an if statement without an else block. In this case, the code inside the if block will only execute if the condition is true. If the condition is false, the program will simply skip that block and continue with the rest of the code. 

3. What is the difference between == and is in Python conditions?

The == operator checks if the values of two variables are equal. The is operator, on the other hand, checks if two variables refer to the exact same object in memory. For immutable types like integers and strings, they often behave similarly, but for mutable objects like lists, they can be different. 

4. Can I use multiple elif statements in one block?

Yes, you can use as many elif statements as you need. An if-elif-else chain can have one if, multiple elif statements to check for various conditions, and an optional else at the end as a final fallback case. 

5. What happens if I forget the indentation in a conditional block?

If you forget to indent the code under an if, elif, or else statement, Python will raise an IndentationError. Indentation is not optional in Python; it is how the interpreter understands which lines of code belong to which block. 

6. Can I put a conditional statement inside a loop?

Yes, placing conditional statements in Python inside loops is a very common and powerful technique. This allows you to make decisions on each iteration of the loop, for example, to process only certain items in a list or to stop the loop when a specific condition is met. 

7. What is a ternary operator in Python?

The ternary operator is a concise, one-line way to write a simple if-else statement. Its syntax is value_if_true if condition else value_if_false. For example, message = "Eligible" if age >= 18 else "Not Eligible" is a shorthand for a full if-else block. 

8. How do I check for multiple conditions in a single if statement?

You can check for multiple conditions by using the logical operators and and or. Use and when all conditions must be true, and use or when at least one of the conditions needs to be true for the block to execute. 

9. Is it possible to have an if statement without any code inside it?

If you need a placeholder for a conditional block that you intend to fill in later, you can use the pass statement. Forgetting to put anything inside, including pass, will cause a syntax error. For example: if x > 10: pass. 

10. What does the term "truthiness" mean in Python?

In Python, "truthiness" refers to how different objects are evaluated in a boolean context. Objects like non-empty strings, non-zero numbers, and non-empty lists or dictionaries are considered "truthy" (evaluate to True), while empty ones and the number 0 are "falsy" (evaluate to False). 

11. Can I use a function call as a condition?

Yes, you can use a function call as a condition, provided that the function returns a value that can be evaluated as either true or false. For example, if user_is_validated(user_id): is a common pattern where the function handles the validation logic. 

12. Why is it bad to have deeply nested if statements?

Deeply nested if statements (e.g., more than 2-3 levels) can make code extremely difficult to read and debug. This is often called the "arrow anti-pattern" and can usually be simplified by using logical operators, helper functions, or by restructuring the logic. 

13. What is the match-case statement introduced in Python 3.10?

The match-case statement is a more powerful form of conditional logic known as structural pattern matching. It is similar to a switch statement in other languages but can also match complex patterns, object structures, and conditions, providing a cleaner alternative to complex if-elif-else chains. 

14. How can I check if a value is NOT something?

You can check for a negative condition using the not operator or the != (not equal to) comparison operator. For example, if not user_is_logged_in: is equivalent to if user_is_logged_in == False. Similarly, if x != 10: checks if x is not equal to 10. 

15. Can I compare strings in conditional statements?

Yes, you can compare strings using comparison operators like == for equality and != for inequality. String comparisons are case-sensitive, so "python" is not the same as "Python". You can use string methods like .lower() to perform case-insensitive comparisons. 

16. What's the best way to handle a long list of conditions?

For a long list of simple equality checks, using a dictionary can often be cleaner and more efficient than a long if-elif-else chain. You can map conditions (keys) to outcomes (values) and look up the result directly. For more complex patterns, the match-case statement is a great option in Python 3.10+. 

17. Do I always need an else block?

No, the else block is completely optional. You should only use it when you have a specific action that needs to be taken when all preceding if and elif conditions are false. If there's no alternative action, it's perfectly fine to omit the else. 

18. Can I assign a variable inside an if statement?

Yes, you can assign or reassign a variable inside an if block. However, be aware that if the condition is never met, the variable will not be created. This can lead to a NameError if you try to use that variable later in your code without a default value being assigned first. 

19. What is short-circuiting in logical operators?

Short-circuiting is an efficiency feature of the and and or operators. For an and expression, if the first condition is False, Python won't bother evaluating the second one. For an or expression, if the first condition is True, the second one is skipped, as the outcome is already determined. 

20. How do conditional statements in Python with examples help in learning?

Seeing conditional statements in Python with examples is crucial for learning because it bridges the gap between theory and practice. Examples demonstrate the syntax in a real-world context, helping you understand how the logic flows and how to apply it to solve actual problems, which solidifies your understanding. 

Rohit Sharma

834 articles published

Rohit Sharma is the Head of Revenue & Programs (International), with over 8 years of experience in business analytics, EdTech, and program management. He holds an M.Tech from IIT Delhi and specializes...

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