or

In Python, the or keyword is a logical operator that evaluates two Boolean expressions and returns True if at least one of the expressions is true. If both expressions are false, it returns False. The or operator is a key component in constructing compound logical conditions. It performs short-circuit evaluation, meaning that it stops evaluating as soon as it finds a true expression.

Python or Keyword Examples

Here are some quick examples of how to use the or keyword in Python:

Python 
>>> True or True
True
>>> True or False
True
>>> False or True
True
>>> False or False
False

>>> 5 > 3 or 2 < 4
True
>>> 5 > 3 or 2 > 4
True

>>> "Hi!" or []
'Hi!'
>>> "Hi!" or [1, 2, 3]
'Hi!'
>>> 0 or [1, 2, 3]
[1, 2, 3]

The first four examples show the truth table for the or operator. Then, you have comparison expressions combined with or. Their result is True if at least one expression evaluates to True, and False if both are false.

In the last set of examples, you use or to combine objects. In each expression, you get a specific object. Note that in these examples, you don’t get True or False.

Python or Keyword Use Cases

  • Combining multiple conditions in control flow statements like if, while, and assert
  • Providing default values in expressions, such as value = user_input or default_value
  • Simplifying complex logical expressions in boolean algebra
How to Use the Python or Operator

Tutorial

Using the "or" Boolean Operator in Python

In this step-by-step tutorial, you'll learn how the Python "or" operator works and how to use it. You'll get to know its special features and see what kind of programming problems you can solve by using "or" in Python.

basics python

For additional information on related topics, take a look at the following resources:

By Leodanis Pozo Ramos • Updated Jan. 6, 2025 • Reviewed by Dan Bader
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