Membership Operators in Python Tutorial

In this section we will learn what membership operators are and how to use them in Python.

Note: we’re assuming you already familiar with operators in general.

What is Membership Operator in Python?

In Python we can create objects that are capable of storing multiple values in one object. For example, list and tuple data types are just two example of objects that are capable of storing multiple values.

For objects of type list, tuple etc. where we have multiple values stored in one object, we can use the membership operators to see if a specific element is stored (is a member) in that object or not.

List of Membership Operator in Python

Here’s the list of membership operators in Python:

Python in Operator

The in operator is used to see if a value is in an object or not.

If the target value was in the target object, then the return value of this operator will be True.

Otherwise the value False will return.

Python in Operator Syntax

value in object

Example: using Python in operator

nameList = ["Jack","Ellen","Omid","John"]
if "Jack" in nameList:
print("The nameList has the value Jack as one of its elements")
Output:
The nameList has the value Jack as one of its elements

Python not in Operator

The not in operator is used to see if a value is no in an object.

If the target value was not in the target object, then the return value of this operator will be True.

Otherwise the value False will return.

Python not in Operator Syntax

value in object

Example: using Python not in Operator

nameList = ["Jack","Ellen","Omid","John"]
if "Elon" not in nameList:
print("The nameList does not have the value Elon as part of its elements")
Output:
The nameList does not have the value Elon as part of its elements