Python: elif or new if?

Question

What is better to use:

if var in X:
    #do_whatever
elif (var in Y):
    #do_whatever2

or:

if var in X:
    #do_whatever
i         


        

Answer 1

If you need to perform both checks, you should use two separate ifs. If you want to check one or the order you should always use elif because

• It's more efficient. You will save resources if your first condition is true.
• You can have unexpected errors if both conditions are true.

Performance wise, you should also consider testing the most likely condition first.