Java.Core.What is the ternary operator?

Ternary Operator (? :) in Java

The ternary operator is a shorthand for if-else statements. It allows you to write conditional expressions in a single line.

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1. Syntax of the Ternary Operator

condition ? value_if_true : value_if_false;

If condition is true, the expression returns value_if_true. If condition is false, the expression returns value_if_false.

Example: Simple Ternary Operator

public class TernaryExample {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        int num = 10;
        String result = (num % 2 == 0) ? "Even" : "Odd";
        System.out.println(result); // Output: Even
    }
}

✔ Equivalent to:

if (num % 2 == 0) {
    result = "Even";
} else {
    result = "Odd";
}

✔ Ternary operator makes the code shorter and cleaner.

3. Ternary Operator with Method Calls

You can use the ternary operator to call different methods based on a condition.

Example

public class TernaryMethodExample {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        int age = 18;
        System.out.println(age >= 18 ? "Adult" : "Minor");
    }
}

✔ This replaces:

if (age >= 18) {
    System.out.println("Adult");
} else {
    System.out.println("Minor");
}

4. Nested Ternary Operators

You can nest ternary operators for multiple conditions.

Example

public class NestedTernaryExample {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        int num = 0;
        String result = (num > 0) ? "Positive" : (num < 0) ? "Negative" : "Zero";
        System.out.println(result); // Output: Zero
    }
}

✔ Equivalent to:

if (num > 0) {
    result = "Positive";
} else if (num < 0) {
    result = "Negative";
} else {
    result = "Zero";
}

✔ Be careful! Nesting ternary operators can make the code harder to read.

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5. Using the Ternary Operator with Assignments

The ternary operator can assign values based on conditions.

Example

public class AssignmentTernaryExample {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        int a = 10, b = 20;
        int max = (a > b) ? a : b;
        System.out.println("Max: " + max); // Output: Max: 20
    }
}

✔ Equivalent to:

int max;
if (a > b) {
    max = a;
} else {
    max = b;
}

✔ Ternary operator simplifies variable assignments.

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6. When to Use the Ternary Operator

✅ Use it when expressions are simple (like assigning a value or printing output).
✅ It’s best for short and clear conditions.
❌ Avoid nesting ternary operators if it reduces readability.
❌ Use if-else statements for complex logic instead of deep nesting.