Python False Keyword

False is a boolean value in Python that represents something untrue or a “no” condition. It is one of the two Boolean constants (True and False) and is mostly used in conditions, loops and logical operations.

In Python, False is treated as 0 in mathematical operations and as a falsy value in conditional statements. Let’s look at an example.

if False:
    print("This will never execute")

Since the condition is False, the print statement will not execute.

Let’s look at some examples that involve using False keyword.

Using False in Conditional Statements

x = 10
f = x < 5

if f:
    print("x is less than 5")
else:
    print("x is not less than 5")

x is not less than 5

Explanation: The condition x < 5 evaluates to False, so the else block get executed instead of the if block.

Using False to Initialize Flags.

A flag is a variable used to track a condition in a program. It is usually set to False at first and changed when needed.

f = False   # flag variable
a = [1, 3, 5, 7, 9]

for i in a:
    if a == 5:
        f = True
        break

if f:
    print("Number found!")
else:
    print("Number not found.")

Number not found.

Explanation: flag ‘f’ starts as False and it becomes true only if 5 is found in the list.

Using False as 0 in Arithmetic

Python treats False as 0 in arithmetic operations therefore in some cases it can be used in place of 0.

print(False + 5)  
print(False * 3)  

5
0

Explanation: since False is treated as 0, Fasle + 5 results in 5 and False * 3 results in 0.