Question 99 of 498
PCEP Control Flow, Loops, Lists and Logic Practice Question
A developer is implementing a toggle switch feature. The variable flag starts as False. Which code snippet correctly toggles the flag and performs an action based on the new value each time the code is run? (Assume action1 is performed when flag is True, action2 when False.)
⚠ Common exam trap
Python Institute often tests the order of operations in toggle-and-check patterns, where candidates mistakenly perform the action based on the old flag value instead of the new one after toggling.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
flag = not flag; if flag: action1() else: action2()
It first toggles the flag using `flag = not flag`, which flips the boolean value from False to True (or vice versa). Then it uses a conditional `if flag:` to check the new value and calls `action1()` when True or `action2()` when False, exactly matching the requirement to act on the new state each time the code runs.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
flag = not flag; if flag: action1() else: action2()
Why this is correct
Correctly toggles then uses new value.
- ✗
if not flag: flag = True; action1() else: flag = False; action2()
Why it's wrong here
Checks old value before toggling.
- ✗
if flag: flag = False; action1() else: flag = True; action2()
Why it's wrong here
Checks old value; toggles after condition.
- ✗
flag = not flag; if flag: action2() else: action1()
Why it's wrong here
Toggles first but actions are swapped.
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Last reviewed: Jun 30, 2026
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