Problem: Given a list of Boolean elements. What’s the best way to join all elements using the logical “OR” and logical “AND” operations?
Example: Convert the list [True, True, False]
using
- The logical “AND” operation to
True and True and False = False
, - The logical “OR” operation to
True or True or False = True
, and - The logical “NOT” operation to
[not True, not True, not False] = [False, False, True]
.

Solution:
- To perform logical “AND”, use the built-in Python function
all()
, - To perform logical “OR”, use the built-in Python function
any()
, and - To perform logical “NOT”, use a list comprehension statement
[not x for x in list]
.
Here’s the solution for our three examples:
lst = [True, True, False] # Logical "AND" print(all(lst)) # False # Logical "OR" print(any(lst)) # True # Logical "NOT" print([not x for x in lst]) # [False, False, True]
This way, you can combine an arbitrary iterable of Booleans into a single Boolean value.
Puzzle: Guess the output of this interactive code snippet—and run it to check if you were correct!
The challenge in the puzzle is to know that Python comes with implicit Boolean type conversion: every object has an associated Boolean value. Per convention, all objects are True except “empty” or “zero” objects such as []
, ''
, 0
, and 0.0
. Thus, the result of the function call all([True, True, 0])
is False
.
Where to Go From Here?
Enough theory, let’s get some practice!
To become successful in coding, you need to get out there and solve real problems for real people. That’s how you can become a six-figure earner easily. And that’s how you polish the skills you really need in practice. After all, what’s the use of learning theory that nobody ever needs?
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While working as a researcher in distributed systems, Dr. Christian Mayer found his love for teaching computer science students.
To help students reach higher levels of Python success, he founded the programming education website Finxter.com. He’s author of the popular programming book Python One-Liners (NoStarch 2020), coauthor of the Coffee Break Python series of self-published books, computer science enthusiast, freelancer, and owner of one of the top 10 largest Python blogs worldwide.
His passions are writing, reading, and coding. But his greatest passion is to serve aspiring coders through Finxter and help them to boost their skills. You can join his free email academy here.