← Python

If Statements

An if statement runs a block of code only when its condition is True

Part of: Python Coding — Module 14, SC in Schools - Introduction to Coding - Python — Module 17, VCE Software Development - U3O1 - Programming — Module 38, VCE Software Development - U4O1 - development and evaluation — Module 22, 7-8 Digital Technologies: Programming in Python — Module 13, 9-10 Digital Technologies: Python foundations — Module 9, VCE Applied Computing U1O2 Programming: Control structures — Module 4, IGCSE Computer Science 0478 — 7c Pseudocode and Flowcharts — Module 71, ACARA Digital Technologies Years 7–8 — Programming with Control Structures and Functions (Python) — Module 26, ACARA Digital Technologies Years 9–10 — Testing and Validating Programs — Module 32, QCE Digital Solutions Unit 1 — Algorithms and Programming Techniques — Module 47, QCE Digital Solutions Unit 1 — Programmed Solutions — Module 28, QCE Digital Solutions Unit 2 — Prototype Data Solutions — Module 63, QCE Digital Solutions Unit 4 — Prototype Digital Data Exchanges — Module 11, WA Computer Science ATAR Year 11 — Control Structures and Data Types — Module 26

Understanding If Statements in Python

What it does: An if statement runs a block of code only when its condition evaluates to True. The condition is any expression that resolves to True or False (like 5 > 3), the line must end with a colon, and the code that should run sits on the next line, indented underneath — usually by 4 spaces. That indentation isn't a style choice: it's how Python knows which lines belong inside the if block.

Common mistakes: Forgetting the trailing colon (if 5 > 3 instead of if 5 > 3:) is the single most common error. Inconsistent indentation is the other — mixing tabs and spaces, or indenting by a different amount than the rest of the block, raises an IndentationError.

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This module's key terms are also in a printable crossword (Modules 11–20) and word search (Modules 1–20).

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Learning
Duo
What does the if statement check?
Whether a condition is TrueHow many times to loop
Matches
❌ if x > 5 print('big')
↓
Error: Missing colon after if
Applying
Meanings
Term
if
Meaning
Runs the indented code only when the condition is True.
Practice
age = 15
Testing
Gaps
5 > 3:
Check Answer
Spots
1if 5 > 3: print('Yes')
2if 5 > 3 print('Yes')

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Quick Questions

1. What does the if statement check?
A. Whether a condition is True ✓
B. How many times to loop
if runs a block of code only when its condition is True
2. What goes at the end of an if line?
A. A semicolon ;
B. A colon : ✓
Python uses a colon : to start a block — if, elif, else, for, while, def all need it
3. How does Python know what's inside an if block?
A. Indentation (spaces) ✓
B. Curly braces {}
Python uses indentation (4 spaces) to define blocks — not curly braces like other languages
4. if 10 > 5:\n print('Yes')\nWhat prints?
A. Nothing
B. Yes ✓
10 > 5 is True, so the indented code runs
5. if 3 > 7:\n print('Yes')\nWhat prints?
A. Nothing ✓
B. Yes
3 > 7 is False, so the code inside is skipped

Match the Pairs

if x > 5 print('big') → Error: Missing colon after if
if x > 5: print('big') → Error: Body must be indented
if age >= 18: print('Adult') → Valid: if with colon + indent
if True: print('yes') → Ok: Always runs
x = 10 if x > 5: print('big') → Output: big
x = 3 if x > 5: print('big') → Output: (nothing)

Key Term

if
Runs the indented code only when the condition is True.~~Condition

Fill in the Blanks

1. if 5 > 3: print('Yes')
2. if age >= 13: print('Teen')
3. if x == 10: print('Match')
4. if score >= 50: print('Pass')
5. if name == 'Alice': print('Hi')

Spot the Error

Question 1
A if 5 > 3: print('Yes')
B if 5 > 3 print('Yes')
C if 10 > 8: print('Big')
D if x > 0: print('Positive')
Line B — Missing colon at the end of the if line
Question 2
A if 5 > 3: print('Yes')
B if x > 0: print('Positive')
C if done: print('Done')
D if ok: print('OK')
Line A — The print line must be indented (4 spaces) inside the if block
Question 3
A if 5 > 3: print('Yes')
B if ready: print('Go')
C If 10 > 5: print('Big')
D if name: print('Hi')
Line C — if must be lowercase — If is not valid Python
Question 4
A if done: print('Done') print('OK')
B if ok: print('A') print('B')
C if ready: print('Go') print('Start')
D if 5 > 3: print('Yes') print('Done')
Line D — Inconsistent indentation — both lines must use the same number of spaces
Question 5
A if score == 10: print('Match')
B if x = 5: print('Five')
C if age == 18: print('Adult')
D if n == 0: print('Zero')
Line B — Use == to compare, not = (which assigns a value)

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