Quick Check: Python Assignment Expressions

Review

1. What does an assignment expression such as (total := calculate()) do in addition to binding total?

   The expression binds the name and evaluates to the value produced by the right-hand expression.
2. Why can (length := word_length("python")) be useful inside an if condition?

   The result is available through length inside the selected branch, avoiding a separate computation just for the condition.
3. Inside a comprehension, where is a name bound by an assignment expression generally bound?

   Assignment expressions in comprehensions follow a special rule: the target is bound in the containing scope.
4. Which statement about the target of := is correct?

   Assignment expressions bind a single name; they do not provide the full target syntax of assignment statements.
5. When is an ordinary assignment statement generally the better choice?

   Use := when combining binding with a surrounding expression is genuinely clearer; otherwise a normal assignment is preferable.