Why doesn't Java allow the use of a ternary operator here?

Question

Instead of typing :

if (Math.random() < .5) {
    System.out.println("toto");
} else {
    System.out.println("tata");
}

I would find it useful, and logical, to type instead :

Math.random() < .5 ? System.out.println("toto") : System.out.println("tata");

However, I get the error not a statement. I don't understand how this is an issue.

The conditional operator is for evaluating expressions, not executing statements. `System.out.println("todo")` is not an expression: it doesn't have any value. The `if` statement is for executing statements, so use that. — khelwood, Jul 24 '20 at 09:40
You can do this: `String answer = Math.random() < .5 ? "toto" : "tata" ; System.out.println(answer); ` — Chetan Gupta, Jul 24 '20 at 09:41
Or in one line: `System.out.println(Math.random() < .5 ? "toto" : "tata");` — Stephen C, Jul 24 '20 at 09:43

score 2 · Accepted Answer · answered Jul 24 '20 at 09:41

2

Because the ternary operator assigns a value to a variable. Change it to:

String toPrint = Math.random() < .5 ? "toto" : "tata";
System.out.println(toPrint);

answered Jul 24 '20 at 09:41

Marc

1 Answers1