if-else in Python — Python Technical Interview Questions & Answers

if-else in Python

if-else in Python

  • if-else chooses a path. The computer looks at a condition. If it is True, it runs the if block. If not, it tries elif, then else. Only the first true branch runs. That is how Pass/Fail and even/odd work.
  • Shape on the board: if n % 2 == 0: print("Even") else: print("Odd"). Colon after the condition. Body indented. Missing colon → SyntaxError. Wrong indent → IndentationError. = assigns; == compares. Freshers write if n = 2 and lose marks.
  • Let’s dry-run. n = 7. 7 % 2 is 1, not 0, so if is False. else runs. Output: Odd. Change n to 8 → Even. Say that out loud before you run. That is the viva.
  • elif is extra checks in order. marks >= 75 → A, elif >= 50 → B, else C. Don’t stack ten separate ifs when elif is the story.
  • if-else in Python — output: Odd. 7 % 2 is 1, not 0. Change n to 8 → Even.
     n % 2 == 0 ?
       /        \
     yes         no
    Even        Odd

Technical Interview Tip: Trace a pass/fail or even/odd example aloud.

Code Examples for if-else in Python

Example

# if-else
n = 7
if n % 2 == 0:
    print("Even")
else:
    print("Odd")

if-else in Python — output: Odd. 7 % 2 is 1, not 0. Change n to 8 → Even.

How to Explain if-else in Python to an Interviewer

Explain if-else as if you are teaching a junior — definition, then one tiny script.

If / elif / else First true wins

What does the example print, and why?

if-else in Python — output: Odd

What mistake do freshers make with if-else?

Needs colon + indent