Why is that invalid
print('true') if False else print('false')
but this one is not
def p(t):
print(t)
p('true') if False else p('false')
2 Answers
As has been pointed out (@NPE, @Blender, and others), in Python2.x print is a statement which is the source of your problem. However, you don't need the second print to use the ternary operator in your example:
>>> print 'true' if False else 'false'
false
1 Comment
Fernando Crespo
Yes, in this case is true. But I generalized my use case. I should point that one "argument" it print and the other is a function. But I understand your point and it makes perfect sense!
In Python 2, print is a statement and therefore cannot be directly used in the ternary operator.
In Python 3, print is a function and therefore can be used in the ternary operator.
In both Python 2 and 3, you can wrap print (or any control statements etc) in a function, and then use that function in the ternary operator.
1 Comment
Matt Fenwick
I know you understand this, but your answer is confusing. It's not that functions can be magically used in the ternary operator, it's that expressions can be used. Expression is an important vocabulary term that the OP should learn. And the OP is not trying to use a function in the ternary operator, but rather a function application. (yes, both are expressions, but the OP used only the 2nd)
printisn't a function in Python 2. Addfrom __future__ import print_functionto the top of your file. Then it'll behave as you expect.