In the following Python code:a = Trueb = Falsec = Trued = Falseif (a and b) or (c and b): print(True)else: print(144)What is returned?

The Python code you've provided is a simple if-else statement with a logical condition. Here's the step by step explanation:

1. The variables a and c are assigned the boolean value True.
2. The variables b and d are assigned the boolean value False.
3. The if statement checks the condition (a and b) or (c and d).
4. The and operator returns True if both operands (the values on either side of the operator) are True. If either or both operands are False, and returns False.
5. The or operator returns True if either or both operands are True. If both operands are False, or returns False.
6. In the condition (a and b) or (c and d), (a and b) is False because b is False, and (c and d) is False because d is False. Therefore, the entire condition is False.
7. Since the condition in the if statement is False, the code in the else block is executed.
8. The print(144) statement in the else block is executed, so 144 is printed.

So, the output of this code will be 144.