["python","syntax","operators","python-2.x"]
What does `<>` mean in Python?

I'm trying to use in Python 3.3 an old library (dating from 2003!). When I import it, Python throws me an error because there are <> signs in the source file, e.g.: if (cnum < 1000 and nnum <> 1000 and ntext[-1] <> "s": ... I guess it's a now-abandoned sign in the language. What exactly does it mean, and which (more recent) sign should I replace it with?
It means not equal to. It was taken from ABC (python's predecessor) see here: x < y, x <= y, x >= y, x > y, x = y, x <> y, 0 <= d < 10 Order tests (<> means 'not equals') I believe ABC took it from Pascal, a language Guido began programming with. It has now been removed in Python 3. Use != instead. If you are CRAZY you can scrap != in the REPL (not in a script) and allow only <> in Py3K using this easter egg: >>> from __future__ import barry_as_FLUFL >>> 1 != 2 File "<stdin>", line 1 1 != 2 ^ SyntaxError: with Barry as BDFL, use '<>' instead of '!=' >>> 1 <> 2 True