\label{Spreadsheet_Ternary_Operator} The ?\index{? :}'s and :'s seen in the spreadsheet cells are part of compact notation for an if-then-else clause. Something like: \texttt{( B2 > 16 ? 'passing grade' : 'failing grade')} can be translated into: \texttt{if (B2 > 16 ) \{ \\ \hspace*{16pt} \$temp = 'passing grade';\\ \} else \{ \\ \hspace*{16pt} \$temp = 'failing grade'; \\ \} \\ \$temp;\\ } The nicest part of the \texttt{( ? : )} operator (aside from its compactness) is the way it automatically returns the value you want without having to use any temporary variables.