How Does Python\'s `>` and `

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Lexicographical Comparison of Lists Using Greater Than and Less Than Operators

When comparing two lists using the > and < operators, Python evaluates the lists element-by-element and follows rules of lexicographical ordering.

Initially, it compares the first elements of each list. If they are equal, it moves on to the next element. The comparison continues until either list runs out of elements or a mismatch is found.

If a mismatch is encountered, the result is determined based on the list that has the greater value for the element where the mismatch occurred. For example:

a = [3, 4, 5]
b = [3, 3, 4]
if a > b:
    print("a is greater than b")
else:
    print("a is not greater than b")</p>
<p>In this case, since the first element in both lists is equal, the comparison proceeds to the second element. The second element in a (4) is greater than the second element in b (3), so a is evaluated as greater than b.</p>
<p>However, consider the following example:</p>
<pre class="brush:php;toolbar:false">a = [1, 3, 1, 1]
b = [1, 1, 3, 3]
if a > b:
    print("a is greater than b")
else:
    print("a is not greater than b")

Even though the sum of the elements in a is greater than that of b, a is not evaluated as greater than b. This is because lexicographical comparison gives precedence to the first element, and since the first element in a (1) is smaller than the first element in b (3), a is considered smaller.

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