Python Statements

A statement in Python is an instruction that the Python interpreter can execute. Every line of code you write in Python is made up of statements that tell Python what to do.
Python is designed to keep statements simple, readable, and flexible.

What Are Python Statements?

Python statements are used to:
  • Assign values
  • Make decisions
  • Repeat actions
  • Call functions
  • Control program flow
Python executes statements line by line, from top to bottom.
Simple Definition

A Python statement is a single logical instruction written in a program.


Many Statements in Python

Python allows you to write multiple statements in a program. Each statement is usually written on a new line.
This makes Python code:
  • Easy to read
  • Easy to debug
  • Easy to maintain

Code Example 1: Multiple Statements on New Lines

python
x = 10
y = 20
sum = x + y
print(sum)

Code Example 2: Statements with Conditions

python
age = 18

if age >= 18:
    print("You are eligible to vote")

Code Example 3: Statements Inside a Loop

python
for i in range(3):
    print("Number:", i)

Semicolons in Python (Optional, Rarely Used)

Unlike languages such as C, C++, or Java, Python does not require semicolons at the end of statements.
However, Python allows semicolons, but they are rarely used.
Important

Semicolons are optional in Python and generally not recommended.

Code Example 1: Without Semicolon (Recommended)

python
print("Hello Python")

Code Example 2: With Semicolon (Valid but Rare)

python
print("Hello Python");

Code Example 3: Multiple Statements on One Line

python
x = 5; y = 10; print(x + y)
Best Practice

Writing multiple statements on one line reduces readability and should be avoided.


Expression Statements

An expression statement evaluates an expression and produces a result.

Code Example 1: Simple Expression

python
10 + 20

Code Example 2: Expression with Variables

python
x = 5
x + 10

Code Example 3: Expression in Print

python
print(5 * 4)

Assignment Statements

Assignment statements are used to assign values to variables.

Code Example 1: Simple Assignment

python
x = 10

Code Example 2: Multiple Assignment

python
a = b = c = 100
print(a, b, c)

Code Example 3: Augmented Assignment

python
x = 5
x += 3
print(x)

Control Flow Statements

Control flow statements decide which code runs and when.
Common control flow statements:
  • if
  • else
  • elif
  • for
  • while

Code Example 1: if Statement

python
num = 10

if num > 0:
    print("Positive number")

Code Example 2: if-else Statement

python
num = -5

if num >= 0:
    print("Positive")
else:
    print("Negative")

Code Example 3: for Loop Statement

python
for i in range(1, 4):
    print(i)

Empty Statements (pass)

Sometimes a statement is required syntactically but you don’t want to write any code yet. Python provides the pass statement for this purpose.

Code Example 1: pass in Condition

python
if True:
    pass

Code Example 2: pass in Loop

python
for i in range(3):
    pass

Code Example 3: pass in Function

python
def my_function():
    pass
Use Case

The pass statement acts as a placeholder.


Why Python Statements Are Beginner-Friendly

Python statements:
  • Are close to natural language
  • Avoid unnecessary symbols
  • Encourage clean coding style
  • Improve readability
Key Takeaway

Python statements focus on clarity over complexity.


Summary

  • Python statements are executable instructions
  • Each statement is usually written on a new line
  • Semicolons are optional and rarely used
  • Python supports different types of statements
  • Clean statements make Python easy to learn and use

Exercise

  • Write a program with 5 different statements
  • Try using a semicolon and see the output
  • Identify assignment, expression, and control statements in your code