Relational operators are symbols used to specify a certain relationship between two numbers or numeric values and number-like elements in an equation. The result of a calculation using them is either a ‘true’ or a ‘false’ value. Relational operators are common in query languages, where they are used to specify and narrow down search criteria. An example could be searching a database of cars.
Technipages Explains Relational Operator
If the salesman wants to see what’s in the lot, he can tell the computer show me all cars, or if he wants to know something more specific, his query could be show me all Subaru’s with less than 40k miles and no more than three previous owners. Relational operators aren’t specific to query languages though – they can also occur in spreadsheets, where they can be used in IF formulas in order to perform tests. This means that in that test, different values are displayed depending on whether the IF statement is true or false.
Relational operators are also used in programming, where expressions like =, <, >, <= or =< and more are used in order to express a relationship or calculation of values. A common use is that of conditions. While a value X is < 50, the program is supposed to repeat steps Y and Z. That means that the function will look until X is no longer < 50. Alternatively, they can also be used to transfer values, by telling the program that variable F = 15.
Among other things, relational operators are used for assigning values, ordering results, narrowing down values, comparing and telling apart different values or numbers, and even controlling repeats of a program.
Common Uses of Relational Operator
- Relational operators are ideal for specifying more narrowed down search results in query software.
- A relational operator can be expressed in different ways, depending on the environment it is in – for example less than or equal to could look like <= or =< and still mean the same thing.
- In programming, relational operators are great for specifying conditions and rules for calculations.
Common Misuses of Relational Operator
- Relational operator is another word for arithmetic operators.
