What type of operation does the tertiary operator perform?

The tertiary operator, commonly referred to as the ternary operator, is characterized by its ability to operate on three operands. It is typically expressed in the form of a conditional statement that evaluates whether a condition is true or false, providing different results based on that evaluation. The syntax often resembles the structure of condition ? expression1 : expression2, where condition is evaluated first. If it holds true, expression1 is executed; otherwise, expression2 is executed.

This differentiates the ternary operator from unary and binary operations. Unary operations involve a single operand, while binary operations involve two. The ternary operator's unique structure, requiring three operands for its functionality, is what solidifies its classification as a distinct operator type. This capability makes it a useful shorthand in programming for conditional expressions, streamlining code while maintaining clarity.