What is the difference between = and == in Python?

= assigns a value to a variable (x = 5). == tests whether two values are equal (x == 5) and returns True or False. Mixing them up is the single most common early Python error.

Can I have more than one elif?

Yes. An if statement can have zero or many elif branches. Python checks them in order, top to bottom, and runs the first branch whose condition is True.

Which exam boards test selection?

All of them. Selection (if/elif/else) is a required construct in OCR J277, AQA 8525, Pearson Edexcel, Eduqas and WJEC GCSE Computer Science.

Python selection: if, elif and else

Selection is one of the three core programming constructs in every UK GCSE Computer Science specification (alongside sequence and iteration). This unit covers Python's if / elif / else structure, the six comparison operators (==, !=, <, >, <=, >=), and combining conditions with the Boolean operators and, or and not. Every example runs in the browser so pupils can experiment with the conditions and see the branching in action. Perfect for classroom teaching, GCSE and A Level revision, and independent or home-schooled learners.

What you'll learn

Write single-branch if statements
Add an else branch for the 'otherwise' case
Chain conditions with elif
Use ==, !=, <, >, <=, >= to compare values
Combine conditions with and, or, not

UK GCSE topic coverage

Relational operators
Boolean values and naming
Selection with `if`
Two-branch selection
Multi-branch selection
Boolean logic (`and`, `or`, `not`)
Nested selection
Dry-run and trace tables
Selection with combined logic
Applied selection challenge

Worked example

Age check with elif

age = int(input("Age? "))
if age < 13:
    print("Child")
elif age < 18:
    print("Teenager")
else:
    print("Adult")

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Lessons in this unit

Full interactive lessons with checked tasks are available to signed-in RunPy users. Unit 1 and a selection of exam-style questions are free with a RunPy account.

Comparison operators and Boolean values
Boolean expressions and storing results
Introducing if statements
if / else
Using elif for multiple conditions
Logical operators: and, or, not
Nested if statements
Tracing conditional logic
Combining and/or with elif
GCSE-style decision program

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between = and == in Python?: = assigns a value to a variable (x = 5). == tests whether two values are equal (x == 5) and returns True or False. Mixing them up is the single most common early Python error.
Can I have more than one elif?: Yes. An if statement can have zero or many elif branches. Python checks them in order, top to bottom, and runs the first branch whose condition is True.
Which exam boards test selection?: All of them. Selection (if/elif/else) is a required construct in OCR J277, AQA 8525, Pearson Edexcel, Eduqas and WJEC GCSE Computer Science.