Ternary Operator

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What is the Ternary Operator?

The ternary operator provides a compact way to write an if-else statement in a single line.
It is most useful when you need to assign a value based on a condition.

It uses three components (hence the name “ternary”):
condition ? value_if_true : value_if_false

Syntax

condition ? value_if_true : value_if_false;

This expression evaluates to either the value after ? or the value after : depending on the condition.

Example 1 – Without Ternary

int n = 4;
int result = 0;

if (n % 2 == 0)
    result = 10;
else
    result = 20;

System.out.println(result);   // Output: 10

This approach works, but it is lengthy for simple decisions.

Example 2 – With Ternary (Cleaner)

int n = 4;
int result = 0;

result = (n % 2 == 0) ? 10 : 20;

System.out.println(result);   // Output: 10

The same logic is written more compactly and cleanly.

How It Works

• When the condition is true, Java selects the expression immediately after ?.
• When the condition is false, Java selects the expression after :.

This makes ternary ideal for short, simple conditions where readability is maintained.

Example 3 – Maximum of Two Numbers

int a = 8, b = 5;
int max = (a > b) ? a : b;

System.out.println("Maximum: " + max); // Output: 8

A very common and clean use case of ternary.

Example 4 – Nested Ternary (Use Carefully)

int marks = 75;
String grade = (marks >= 90) ? "A" :
               (marks >= 75) ? "B" :
               (marks >= 50) ? "C" : "Fail";

System.out.println("Grade: " + grade); // Output: B

Nested ternaries are possible but can make the code harder to read if overused.

Key Notes

• Ternary operator helps simplify short decision-making expressions.
• It improves readability when used for simple conditions.
• Avoid creating overly complex or deeply nested ternary expressions — they reduce clarity.
• Prefer ternary primarily for value assignment, not long logical decisions.

Written By: Shiva Srivastava