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Java Operators

Operators in Java are special symbols used to perform operations on variables and values. They form the building blocks of expressions and logic in Java programs.

🧠 Definition​

An operator in Java is a symbol that tells the compiler to perform specific mathematical, relational, or logical operations.

✨ Fun Fact​

The + operator is overloaded in Java to work both as an addition operator and a string concatenation operator.

System.out.println(5 + 10);        // Outputs 15
System.out.println("Age: " + 25);  // Outputs Age: 25

📚 Types of Java Operators​

  1. Arithmetic Operators: +, -, *, /, %
  2. Relational (Comparison) Operators: ==, !=, >, <, >=, <=
  3. Logical Operators: &&, ||, !
  4. Assignment Operators: =, +=, -=, *=, /=, %=
  5. Unary Operators: +, -, ++, --, !
  6. Bitwise Operators: &, |, ^, ~, <<, >>, >>>
  7. Ternary Operator: ? :

💡 Example​

int a = 10, b = 5;
System.out.println(a + b);  // 15
System.out.println(a > b);  // true
System.out.println(a != b); // true
System.out.println((a > b) && (a < 20)); // true

🌍 Real-World Analogy​

Imagine you're cooking:

  • Measuring ingredients = Arithmetic
  • Checking if a step is done = Comparison
  • Deciding what to do next = Logical
  • Storing recipe steps = Assignment

Each operation helps you build a full recipe — just like code!

🧒 Explain Like I'm Five (ELI5)​

You have a toy calculator:

  • + adds toys
  • - takes away
  • == checks if you and your friend have the same toys
  • && means both things must be true to get candy

Operators are like buttons on your logic calculator!

📊 Operator Precedence (Simplified)​

Some operators run before others. Think:

  • * and / before + and -
  • Brackets () first
System.out.println(2 + 3 * 4); // 14, not 20
System.out.println((2 + 3) * 4); // 20

🧪 Exercise​

  1. Try using all arithmetic operators with two numbers.
  2. Write a program that checks if a person is eligible to vote (age >= 18).
  3. Use the ternary operator to find the minimum of two numbers.

⚡ Quick Recap​

  • Operators perform tasks like math and logic.
  • Java supports various operators: arithmetic, logical, relational, etc.
  • Precedence matters!