How do I use the conditional operator?

Question

I\'ve always wondered how to write the \"A ? B : C\" syntax in a C++ compatible language.

I think it works something like: (Pseudo

Answer 1

No one seems to mention that a result of conditional operator expression can be an L-value in C++ (But not in C). The following code compiles in C++ and runs well:

    int a, b;
    bool cond;
    a=1; b=2; cond=true;
    (cond? a : b) = 3;
    cout << a << "," << b << endl;

The above program prints 3, 2

Yet if a and b are of different types, it won't work. The following code gives a compiler error:

    int a;
    double b;
    bool cond;
    a=1; b=2; cond=true;
    (cond? a : b) = 3;
    cout << a << "," << b << endl;

Answer 2

I would say the ? is a short-cut. However, some "hard-core" programmers tend to say write it out the long way so in future cases, people can easily read and modify code.

For example, if you write

int a = b<c ? b : c;

Some people claim that it's clearer to write:

if(b<c)
 a = b;
else
 a = c;

Because in future cases, people can catch it. Of course, a simple b<c ? b:c is easy to catch, but sometimes complex operations are put in and it can be hard to spot.

Answer 3

IT IS QUITE SIMPLE IT'S BASIC SYNTAX IS: expression1?expression2:expression3;

If expression 1 is hold true then expression 2 will hold otherwise expression 3 will hold.

example:

hey=24>2?24:34;

here as condition is true value of 24 will be assigned to it. if it was false then 34 will be assigned to it