Boolean Data Type

What is a Boolean?

A Boolean data type in Python represents one of two values: True or False. It's named after George Boole, a mathematician who pioneered the study of logic.

Declaring Boolean Variables

To create a Boolean variable, simply assign True or False to it:

Python

is_raining = True

is_sunny = False

Boolean Expressions

Boolean values are often used in conditional statements and expressions.

Python

x = 10

y = 5

# Comparison operators

is_greater = x > y  # True

is_equal = x == y  # False

# Logical operators

is_raining = True

is_cold = True

can_go_outside = not is_raining and not is_cold  # False

Boolean Operators

Python provides three logical operators to combine Boolean values:

• and: Both conditions must be True for the result to be True.

• or: At least one condition must be True for the result to be True.

• not: Negates the Boolean value.

Boolean as a Subtype of Integer

Interestingly, in Python, True is equivalent to the integer 1, and False is equivalent to 0.

Python

print(True + 1)  # Output: 2

print(False * 3)  # Output: 0

Use Cases

• Conditional statements (if, else, elif)

• Loops (while, for)

• Logical operations

• Control flow

Example

Python

temperature = 25

if temperature > 30:

    print("It's hot!")

elif temperature > 20:

    print("It's warm.")

else:

    print("It's cold.")

Boolean values are fundamental to programming logic and decision-making. They are used extensively to control the flow of programs and make decisions based on conditions.