Determine whether integer is between two other integers

Handling edge cases correctly

Dressing up the boundaries? Make it clear with explicit comparisons:

inclusive_range = a <= number <= b  # Both edges a and b are hugged tightly
exclusive_range = a < number < b    # Both edges are left cold and alone
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Requiring number to match a or b? Express it vividly to prevent sinister bugs!

Behind the scenes: performance

Python's efficient chained comparison if a <= number <= b is sheer elegance. But what's happening under the hood? Let's dissect:

import dis
dis.dis('a <= number <= b')
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Get excited for a journey into the bytecode and Python's wizardry in combining these comparisons!

Unique way: in with range

Facing non-numeric ranges or wider intervals? Python's range is here to save the day.

within_range = number in range(a, b+1)  # '+1' for the inclusive embrace
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But beware, range is an object that iterates over numbers. Attempting this with large ranges is like running a marathon with flip-flops!

Turn the tables: not in for exclusivity

When you want to check if a number is laughing from outside a range:

outside_range = number not in range(a, b+1)  # Number is a rebel
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While slick, don't forget it shares the same performance traits as in with range. Large intervals and it's like looking for a needle in a haystack!

Catering special cases

What if a and b decide to be twins? Your comparisons ought to throw a party for this special case to avoid logical party poopers:

if a == b:
    within_range = number == a  # Twins or not, our number tries to fit in!
else:
    within_range = a <= number <= b  # The usual party
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Inclusive thinking while coding is the key to smoother, bug-free coding parties!

Ensuring accuracy and clarity

Ensure your comparison passes the Crystal Clear Certification™: clearly communicated boundaries and no ambiguous operations.

Our comparison should be a transparent guide, leading to results that are both reliable and understandable.