Comparisons & Boolean Logic — Lesson 2: Exact matches matter

New skill: Equality and inequality
Previously learned: Unit 03 — parameters and return values

Why this matters

Some actions should only happen when two values match exactly.

Study this example

entered = 'UP'
correct = 'UP'
print(entered == correct)
print(entered != 'up')

String equality is case-sensitive. 'UP' equals 'UP', but it does not equal 'up'.

Before moving on, trace each line of the example by hand. Predict the result before running it in the browser.

Check your understanding

Would a string password match if its capitalization changes?

Common mistake

Avoid confusing assignment (=) and equality (==).

Practice: Exact matches matter

Complete codes_match(expected_code, entered_code) so it returns a Boolean indicating whether the two strings match exactly.

Example 1 — Input

codes_match('AB7', 'AB7')

Output

True

Example 2 — Input

codes_match('AB7', 'ab7')

Output

False

Example 3 — Input

codes_match('', '')

Output

True

Starter file: main.py

Use Run to experiment and Check to compare against published examples. A passing public example does not automatically establish mastery.

Hint 1 — Identify the key concept

String comparison is case-sensitive by default.

Hint 2 — Find an approach

Use the equality operator.

Hint 3 — Check your answer

Return a Boolean, not a text message.

Reflection

Write a short explanation of why your code works. What input or change would make it behave differently?