Chained Comparison in Python

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When writing conditions in Python, you often need to compare multiple values. Instead of using multiple logical operators, Python offers a cleaner and more intuitive way to perform comparisons — chained comparisons.

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What is Chained Comparison?

Chained comparison allows you to combine multiple comparison operations in a single, readable expression, much like mathematical notation. For example:

x = 10
print(5 < x < 20)  # True

This statement is equivalent to:

(5 < x) and (x < 20)

Python evaluates 5 < x < 20 as a sequence of two conditions (5 < x and x < 20) joined by an and operator, making the code more concise and readable.

Benefits of Chained Comparison

• Improves readability — Expressions look more natural and resemble mathematical notation.
• Reduces redundancy — No need to repeat variables in multiple conditions.
• Enhances performance — Python evaluates expressions from left to right and stops early if a condition fails.

Examples of Chained Comparisons