This programming language misconception is about Boolean values, expressions of type bool, and conditionals.

Incorrect and Correct Conception

Convince Yourself

You see that the behavior is the same! The conditional operator (also known as "ternary operator", because it has three operands) is not really necessary. It is perfectly fine to just write num < 0.

Learn More

If you would like to learn more about this misconception, including its possible origins, symptoms students who hold this misconception might exhibit, the related programming language concepts, links to the corresponding parts of the Python language specification, and related misconceptions, check out MapToBooleanWithTernaryOperator in the progmiscon.org misconception inventory.