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Python if, elif and else Statements with Real Examples for Beginners

P5.2 How to Write if and else in Python

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Why. You want different actions for different cases: send a reminder only if a bill is unpaid.

What. if condition: runs the indented lines below it only when the condition is True. else: runs when it is False. The colon and the 4-space indent are required.

How.

Write an if/else

  1. Write if, the condition and a colon.
  2. Indent the lines to run when True (4 spaces).
  3. Write else: at the same level as if.
  4. Indent the lines to run when False.
1. Check the condition2. True? → run the if block3. False? → run the else block4. Continue with the next line
How if / else decides (read from top to bottom)

Worked example A — A single if.

Step 1 — What we do. A bank in Toronto warns when the balance falls below $100.

Step 2 — Type and run this code.

balance = 75
if balance < 100:
    print("Low balance warning")

Step 3 — Output you should see.

Low balance warning

Step 4 — What it means. The condition is True, so the message prints. If balance were 500, nothing would print.

Worked example B — if with else.

Step 1 — What we do. A clinic checks if a patient is an adult.

Step 2 — Type and run this code.

age = 15
if age >= 18:
    print("Adult ward")
else:
    print("Children's ward")

Step 3 — Output you should see.

Children's ward

Step 4 — What it means. Exactly one of the two blocks runs. Here 15 is not >= 18, so the else block runs.

Worked example C — Use the decision to set a value.

Step 1 — What we do. We label an order as "Late" or "On time".

Step 2 — Type and run this code.

minutes = 42
if minutes > 30:
    status = "Late"
else:
    status = "On time"
print(status)

Step 3 — Output you should see.

Late

Step 4 — What it means. The decision fills a variable. In pandas you will create a whole status column with the same idea.

Python next to other languages — if / else. You do not need to learn these other languages. This only shows why Python is easier to read.

Language Code
Python if x > 30: (then indented lines)
Java if (x > 30) { ... } else { ... }
JavaScript if (x > 30) { ... } else { ... }
Go if x > 30 { ... } else { ... }

Ravindra Bagale's Tip

Python uses indentation instead of curly brackets. Always use 4 spaces. VS Code and Jupyter do it for you when you press Enter after a colon.