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Nested If Statement In Python

Nested If Statement In Python

What is a Nested if statement in Python?

Nested if statements in Python allow you to have an if statement within another if statement. This is useful for scenarios where you need to evaluate multiple conditions in a hierarchical manner.

We can use if, if….else, elif statements inside other if statements.

Nested If Example:

num = 18
if (num < 0):
    print("Number is negative.")
elif (num > 0):
    if (num <= 10):
        print("Number is between 1-10")
    elif (num > 10 and num <= 20):
        print("Number is between 11-20")
    else:
        print("Number is greater than 20")
else:
    print("Number is zero")
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Output:

Number is between 11-20
Python

Let’s explore some real-life examples to understand nested if in Python statements better:

  1. Restaurant Selection: is_vegetarian = True has_gluten_allergy = False if is_vegetarian: print("Consider vegetarian options.") if has_gluten_allergy: print("Ensure gluten-free options are available.") else: print("You have a wide range of choices!") else: print("You have plenty of options.") In this example, if someone is vegetarian, the program suggests vegetarian options. Then, if they have a gluten allergy, it suggests ensuring gluten-free options are available.
  2. Package Delivery: is_express_delivery = True weight = 4 if is_express_delivery: print("Expect delivery within 24 hours.") if weight > 5: print("Please pay extra for heavy parcel.") else: print("No extra charges for weight.") else: print("Delivery will take 3-5 business days.") Here, if the delivery is express, the program informs the user about the delivery time. Then, if the package weight exceeds 5 kg, it suggests paying extra for heavy parcels.
  3. Weather Advisories: is_raining = True temperature = 15 if is_raining: print("Carry an umbrella.") if temperature < 10: print("Wear warm clothes too.") else: print("Enjoy the sunny day!") This example advises carrying an umbrella if it’s raining. Additionally, if the temperature is below 10°C, it suggests wearing warm clothes.

In each of these examples, the nested if statements allow for more nuanced decision-making based on multiple conditions. It’s important to keep the indentation correct to ensure the proper hierarchy of conditions. Nested if statements can help you write more complex logic and handle various scenarios in your Python programs.

Conclusion

Nested if statements in Python are a powerful tool for building complex decision-making logic in your programs. By nesting if statements within each other, you can evaluate multiple conditions and execute different code blocks based on the outcome of each condition. However, it’s essential to maintain proper indentation and keep the code readable to avoid confusion. While nested if statements offer flexibility, excessive nesting can lead to code that is difficult to understand and maintain. Therefore, it’s important to use nested if statements judiciously and consider alternative approaches when dealing with highly complex logic. With practice, you’ll become proficient in using nested if statements to handle various scenarios in your Python programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is a nested if statement in Python?

Ans: A nested if statement is an if statement that is placed inside another if statement. It allows for more complex decision-making by evaluating multiple conditions in a hierarchical manner.


Q2. Can I have multiple levels of nesting in if statements?

Ans: Yes, you can nest if statements to multiple levels, but it’s important to maintain readability and clarity in your code.


Q3. How do I ensure proper indentation in nested if statements?

Ans: Proper indentation is crucial in Python to define the scope of code blocks. Each nested if statement should be indented further than the outer if statement to indicate its level of nesting.


Q4. When should I use nested if statements?

Ans: Nested if statements are useful when you need to evaluate multiple conditions, and the outcome of one condition affects the evaluation of subsequent conditions.


Q5. Are there any limitations to using nested if statements?

Ans: While nested if statements provide flexibility, excessive nesting can make code harder to read and maintain. In such cases, it’s often better to refactor the code into smaller, more manageable functions or use other control structures like elif or switch statements.


Q6. Can I have an else block within a nested if statement?

Ans: Yes, you can have an else block within a nested if statement to handle cases where none of the conditions are true at that level of nesting.