Why Can’t the Assignment Operator (=) Be Used in Expressions in Python?

In Python, the assignment operator (`=`) is not an expression but a statement. This means it does not return a value, so using it inside expressions (like `if` or `while` conditions) will cause a SyntaxError.  


## **1. Incorrect Usage of `=` in Expressions (SyntaxError)**  

```python

if (x = 10):  # ❌ SyntaxError

    print(x)

```

🔴 **Error Output:**  

```

SyntaxError: invalid syntax

```

✅ **Fix:** You must assign `x` outside the `if` condition.  

```python

x = 10

if x > 5:

    print(f"x is {x}")  # ✅ Works correctly

```

For more details, see Why Can’t the Assignment Operator (=) Be Used in Expressions in Python?

Post a Comment

Previous Post Next Post