How Does Python Compare Strings Using `` Operators?

How are Strings Compared in Python?

When comparing strings in Python with less than (<) or greater than (>) operators, the outcome is determined by a specific set of rules.

According to the Python documentation, "Lexicographical ordering is used for comparison: the first two items are compared, and if they differ, this determines the outcome of the comparison." This means that the characters at each corresponding position in the strings are compared sequentially.

In the example 'abc' < 'bac', the first characters, 'a' and 'b', are compared. Since 'a' is a lowercase letter and 'b' is an uppercase letter, Python relies on Unicode code points for ordering. 'a' has a higher Unicode code point (97) than 'b' (65), so 'a' is considered less than 'b', and 'abc' is therefore less than 'bac'.

It's important to note that the comparison stops as soon as a difference is found. Subsequent characters are not compared. For instance, the second characters in 'abc' and 'bac' are not compared because the first characters already determine the outcome.

It's also worth mentioning that lowercase letters have higher Unicode code points than uppercase letters. This means that in comparisons such as 'a' > 'A', the lowercase letter will be considered greater than the uppercase letter.

Understanding these rules is crucial for accurately performing string comparisons in Python and ensuring the desired outcomes.

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