How to overload python ternary operator?

The ternary operator in Python (value_if_true if condition else value_if_false) cannot be directly overloaded like other operators. However, you can create reusable ternary-like functionality using lambdas, functions, or custom classes.

Using Lambda Functions

You can wrap ternary logic in a lambda function to make it reusable ?

# Create a reusable ternary function
result = lambda x: 1 if x < 3 else 10

print(result(2))
print(result(1000))

1
10

Using Regular Functions

For more complex logic, regular functions provide better readability ?

def categorize_number(x):
    return "small" if x < 10 else "large"

def grade_score(score):
    return "Pass" if score >= 60 else "Fail"

print(categorize_number(5))
print(categorize_number(15))
print(grade_score(75))
print(grade_score(45))

small
large
Pass
Fail

Creating a Custom Ternary Class

You can create a class that mimics ternary operator behavior ?

class TernaryOperator:
    def __init__(self, condition_func, true_value, false_value):
        self.condition = condition_func
        self.true_val = true_value
        self.false_val = false_value
    
    def evaluate(self, x):
        return self.true_val if self.condition(x) else self.false_val

# Create instances
is_even = TernaryOperator(lambda x: x % 2 == 0, "Even", "Odd")
size_check = TernaryOperator(lambda x: x > 100, "Big", "Small")

print(is_even.evaluate(4))
print(is_even.evaluate(7))
print(size_check.evaluate(150))
print(size_check.evaluate(50))

Even
Odd
Big
Small

Comparison

Conclusion

While Python's ternary operator cannot be overloaded directly, you can create reusable ternary-like functionality using lambdas, functions, or custom classes. Choose functions for complex logic and lambdas for simple conditions.