We have the ability to expand our boolean expressions by using multiple conditional operators in a single expression.

For example:

boolean foo = true && !(false || !true)

How does an expression like this get evaluated by the compiler? The order of evaluation when it comes to conditional operators is as follows:

1. Conditions placed in parentheses - ()
2. NOT - !
3. AND - &&
4. OR - ||

Using this information, let’s dissect the expression above to find the value of foo:

true && !(false || !true)

First, we’ll evaluate (false || !true) because it is enclosed within parentheses. Following the order of evaluation, we will evaluate !true, which equals false:

true && !(false || false)

Then, we’ll evaluate (false || false) which equals false. Now our expression looks like this:

true && !false

Next, we’ll evaluate !false because it uses the NOT operator. This expression equals true making our expression the following:

true && true

true && true evaluates to true; therefore, the value of foo is true.