Variables

Definition

An operator is a symbol or keyword that specifies an operation on one or more operands (variables, literals, or expressions) to produce a result. Operators are used within expressions and assignment statements to perform computations or comparisons.

Types of Operators

Arithmetic Operators:

Perform mathematical operations.

Examples: + (addition), - (subtraction), * (multiplication), / (division), % (modulus).

Java Example: int result = 10 + 5; // 15

Note: Division (/) with integers in Java yields an integer (e.g., 5 / 2 = 2). Use floating-point operands for decimal results (e.g., 5.0 / 2 = 2.5).

Assignment Operators:

Assign values to variables or update them.

Examples: = (simple assignment), +=, -=, *=, /=, %= (compound assignment).

Java Example: x += 5; // Equivalent to x = x + 5;

Relational Operators:

Compare values, returning a boolean (true or false).

Examples: == (equal to), != (not equal to), > (greater than), < (less than), >=, <=.

Java Example: boolean isAdult = age >= 18; // true if age is 18 or more

Logical Operators:

Combine boolean expressions.

Examples: && (AND), || (OR), ! (NOT).

Java Example: boolean canVote = isCitizen && age >= 18;

Increment/Decrement Operators:

Increase or decrease a variable’s value by 1.

Examples: ++ (increment), -- (decrement).

Java Example: x++; // Equivalent to x = x + 1;

Note: x++ (post-increment) vs. ++x (pre-increment) affects when the increment occurs in expressions.

Bitwise Operators (less common for beginners):

Operate on binary representations of numbers.

Examples: & (bitwise AND), | (bitwise OR), ^ (bitwise XOR), << (left shift), >> (right shift).

Java Example: int result = 5 & 3; // Binary: 101 & 011 = 001 (1)

Ternary Operator:

A concise conditional expression.

Syntax: condition ? valueIfTrue : valueIfFalse

Java Example: String status = age >= 18 ? "Adult" : "Minor";