Operator Precedence in Python [ English ]

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1. Introduction

Operator precedence determines the order in which operations are performed in an expression. When multiple operators are used, Python follows a specific priority to evaluate them.

Operators with higher precedence are evaluated before operators with lower precedence.

2. Importance of Operator Precedence

• Ensures correct evaluation of expressions
• Avoids ambiguity in calculations
• Helps in writing accurate programs

3. Operator Precedence Table (High → Low)

4. Explanation with Examples

4.1 Parentheses ()

result = (2 + 3) * 4
print(result)

Output

20

Explanation

• Parentheses are evaluated first

4.2 Exponent **

print(2 + 3 ** 2)

Output

11

Explanation

• 3 ** 2 = 9, then 2 + 9 = 11

4.3 Multiplication and Division

print(10 + 2 * 3)

Output

16

4.4 Addition and Subtraction

print(10 - 2 + 3)

Output

11

4.5 Comparison Operators

print(5 + 2 > 6)

Output

True

4.6 Logical Operators

print(True or False and False)

Output

True

Explanation

• and has higher precedence than or
• So: False and False = False
• Then: True or False = True

5. Associativity of Operators

When operators have the same precedence, associativity decides the order.

Example

print(10 - 5 - 2)

Output

3

Explanation

• Evaluated as: (10 - 5) - 2

Right-to-Left Example

print(2 ** 3 ** 2)

Output

512

Explanation

• Evaluated as: 2 ** (3 ** 2) = 2 ** 9 = 512

6. Using Parentheses for Clarity

Even though Python has precedence rules, using parentheses is recommended.

result = (10 + 2) * 3

7. Practical Example

a = 5
b = 2
c = 3

result = a + b * c ** 2
print(result)

Output

23

Explanation

• c ** 2 = 9
• b * 9 = 18
• a + 18 = 23

8. Important Points

• Parentheses have the highest priority
• and is evaluated before or
• Use parentheses to avoid confusion
• Associativity determines order when precedence is same

9. Summary

• Operator precedence defines the order of evaluation.

• Higher precedence operators are evaluated first.

• Key order:

  • () → ** → * / // % → + - → comparison → not → and → or

• Associativity determines order when operators have equal priority.

• Parentheses improve readability and correctness.