Operators in Python are special symbols or keywords used to perform operations on variables and values. Whether you're doing math, making comparisons, or working with conditions, operators are everywhere in Python.

In this article, you'll learn:

• What operators are

• Types of Python operators

• Detailed usage with examples

• Tips and common mistakes

What Are Operators?

Operators are used to perform operations on variables and values.

Example:

x = 10
y = 5
print(x + y)  # ➡️ 15 (here, `+` is an operator)

Types of Python Operators

Python supports several types of operators:

1. Arithmetic Operators

2. Assignment Operators

3. Comparison Operators

4. Logical Operators

5. Identity Operators

6. Membership Operators

7. Bitwise Operators

Let’s go through each of them step by step.

1️⃣ Arithmetic Operators

Used for basic mathematical operations.

2️⃣ Assignment Operators

Used to assign values to variables.

3️⃣ Comparison (Relational) Operators

Used to compare values; always return True or False.

4️⃣ Logical Operators

Used to combine conditional statements.

a = 10
b = 5

if a > 5 and b < 10:
    print("Both conditions are True")

5️⃣ Identity Operators

Used to check if two variables refer to the same object (not just equal values).

x = [1, 2, 3]
y = x
z = [1, 2, 3]

print(x is y)     # True
print(x is z)     # False (even if values are the same)

6️⃣ Membership Operators

Used to check if a value exists in a sequence.

colors = ['red', 'green', 'blue']
print('red' in colors)      # True

7️⃣ Bitwise Operators

Operate on binary numbers.

Example: Calculator Program

a = int(input("Enter first number: "))
b = int(input("Enter second number: "))

print(f"Add: {a + b}")
print(f"Subtract: {a - b}")
print(f"Multiply: {a * b}")
print(f"Divide: {a / b}")

Tips

• Use // if you want an integer result from division.

• Use parentheses () to control the order of operations.

• Don’t confuse is with ==: is checks identity, not value.

⚠️ Common Pitfalls

Summary Table

What's Next?

After learning operators, you’re ready to explore:

• Control structures like if, elif, else

• Loops (for, while)

• Functions and data structures