Using a Boolean in an If-Statement in Python

Question

I have some code with an if-statement in it, and one of the conditions is a boolean. However, CodeSkulptor says "Line 36: TypeError: unsupported operand type(s) for BitAnd: 'bool' and 'number'". Please help if you can. This is what that piece of code looks like. (I just changed all the variable names and what the if-statement executes)

thing1 = True
thing2 = 3

if thing2 == 3 & thing1:
   print "hi"

Use and instead of &. One word of caution, use parentheses among the expressions that you want to evaluate. You can find unexpected results if you do not. — James
– James, Commented May 12, 2013 at 3:53
@Imagine: == has a higher precedence than and, so nothing will happen. — Blender
– Blender, Commented May 12, 2013 at 3:56
@Blender True, but to quote the zen of python: explicit is better than implicit. I'd rather add unnecessary yet clarifying parentheses than rely on an imperfect knowledge of operator precedence. — ApproachingDarknessFish
– ApproachingDarknessFish, Commented May 12, 2013 at 4:10
@ValekHalfHeart: I've rarely seen if (foo == 2) and bar, but it's personal preference to add them in if you feel that they make it clearer. — Blender
– Blender, Commented May 12, 2013 at 4:17

pradyunsg · Accepted Answer · 2013-05-12 06:46:35Z

7

You want to use logical and (not the &, which is a bitwise AND operator in Python):

if thing2 == 3 and thing1:
   print "hi"

Because you have used &, the error has popped up, saying:

TypeError: unsupported operand type(s) for BitAnd: 'bool' and 'number'
                                           ^^^^^^

edited May 12, 2013 at 6:46

answered May 12, 2013 at 3:48

pradyunsg

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Blender · Accepted Answer · 2013-05-12 03:53:41Z

4

& is the bitwise AND operator. You want to use the logical and instead:

if thing2 == 3 and thing1:
    print "hi"

edited May 12, 2013 at 3:53

answered May 12, 2013 at 3:48

Blender

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