?: in Python

[Andy Leszczynski]

Steven D'Aprano wrote:
> On Wed, 14 Dec 2005 20:17:28 -0500, Andy Leszczynski wrote:
> 
> 
>>I can tell you what is not elegant in the if else: approach. It is 
>>logically a one operation while you are forced to use varaible "a" 
>>twice. Fundamental flaw IMO.
> 
> 
> "Logically" one operation?
> 
> def twenty_countries_in_seven_days_bus_tour():
>     ...
>     if today() == Monday:
>         write_postcode_to_mother("We must be in Belgium.")
>     else:
>         get_back_on_the_bus("Not again!")
>     ...
> 
> 
> if...else expressions with a single operation are just a special case.
> Perhaps a common special case, but still a special case.
> 
> 

First:
"Special cases aren't special enough to break the rules.
Although practicality beats purity."


Second, let's look at again:
 >if condition:
 >   a=1
 >else:
 >   a=2

The primer meaning behind that is that I want to assign something to a. 
  What I want to assign is secondary issue. I do not like C syntax of ?: 
either but I think it is just practical and self-explanatory.

A.