Can Python Operators Be Redefined?

Operator Overloading in Python

In Python, defining custom operators is not directly supported. However, a clever workaround allows for the modification of existing operators, giving the illusion of creating new ones. This "infix" technique enables the definition of operators that work between two expressions, such as in the following example:

<code class="python"># Simple multiplication operator
x = Infix(lambda x, y: x * y)
print(2 |x| 4)  # Output: 8</code>

In this example, the |x| operator behaves like the multiplication operator (*). Similarly, operators for custom comparisons can be defined:

<code class="python"># Class checking operator
isa = Infix(lambda x, y: x.__class__ == y.__class__)
print([1, 2, 3] |isa| [])  # Output: True
print([1, 2, 3] <<isa>> [])  # Output: True</code>

Here, the |isa| operator checks whether the two expressions belong to the same class. This workaround effectively extends the functionality of Python's operators, providing flexibility in defining custom operations without the need for new syntax.

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