What Does // Mean in Python?

Python is a powerful coding language used in many realms of programming. It’s easy to use, and its coding syntax is relatively straightforward, though there are several nuances users may be unaware of when they first begin writing code. One such nuance is the double slash (//) operator, which has various implications when coding in Python.

What Is the // Operator?

The double slash operator is a type of operator known as a floor division operator. It is a type of mathematical operation used for integer division — which is another way of saying that it divides a number by another number, but instead of returning a line of decimals, it automatically chops off all decimals after the quotient, instead of it just returning the whole number closest to the answer.

For example, if you were trying to divide 7 by 3, you would get the answer of 2.3333…, but if you used the // operator, it would return 2, automatically cutting off the decimals after the quotient. This makes the // operator incredibly useful for operations in which one needs whole numbers only.

How to Use the // Operator

The // operator is easy to use. Simply type the // sign between two numbers, and Python will immediately floor divide them and output the result.

For example,

7 // 3

would output 2, while

15 // 10

would output 1.

It is important to note that the // operator is not the same as the / operator, which actually returns the decimal of the quotient. For example,

7 / 3

outputs 2.3333 while

15 / 10

outputs 1.5.

Using // in Quotient & Remainder Calculations

The // operator is also used in tandem with the % sign in order to calculate both the quotient and the remainder of a numerical division. For example,

7 // 3

will output the quotient of 2, while

7 % 3

would output the remainder of 1. This combination of the double slash and modulo operators is incredibly useful when calculating a remainder or just the whole number answer of a numerical division.

Conclusion

The double slash (//) operator is a powerful operator that is essential to many forms of computations in Python. It allows coders to quickly floor divide two numbers and output the whole number results they need. In addition, when combined with the % operator, the double slash can also be used to calculate both the quotient and the remainder of a numerical division. With this knowledge, Python coders will be better equipped to understand the power of the double slash operator.