Introduced in Python 3.8, the walrus operator (:=) has made code more concise and readable by allowing assignment inside expressions. It’s officially known as the assignment expression operator.
But why the name walrus?
Because the operator := looks like the eyes and tusks of a walrus.
The walrus operator lets you assign a value to a variable as part of an expression — usually inside a while, if, or list comprehension.
variable := expressionThis assigns the result of expression to variable and returns it — allowing use within the same line.
text = input("Enter text: ")
while text != "exit":
print("You typed:", text)
text = input("Enter text: ")while (text := input("Enter text: ")) != "exit":
print("You typed:", text)Cleaner, more readable, fewer lines.
while (line := input(">> ")) != "quit":
print("Echo:", line)nums = [1, 5, 10, 15, 20]
result = [n for n in nums if (half := n / 2) > 5]
print(result) # [10, 15, 20]data = "Hello World"
if (length := len(data)) > 5:
print(f"String is long ({length} characters)")- Don’t overuse it in complex expressions — it may reduce readability.
- Use only when assignment and usage naturally go together.
| Feature | Walrus Operator |
|---|---|
| Introduced In | Python 3.8 |
| Syntax | x := expression |
| Nickname | Walrus Operator |
| Benefit | Assign + use in a single expression |
| Common Use Cases | Loops, conditionals, comprehensions |
The walrus operator is a powerful addition to Python — especially when writing clean, efficient code. Like any tool, use it where it makes your code clearer — not just shorter.
Happy coding!
#PythonTips #CLCODING
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