Python in Maya - problem with a basic loop

[Sephonia]

So I've got an assignment that requires a loop and an if/else statement in Maya 2014. Straightforward enough, however I am restricted to python, no Pymel. Currently I have this:
 

import maya.cmds as cmdsdef mySpike(x,y,z):    for i in range(0, 50):        if i%2 = 0:            cmds.polySphere(r=2)            cmds.move(i+5,i+10,i)            cmds.xform(ws=True, rotatePivot=(0,0,0))            cmds.rotate(x*i,y*i,z*i)            cmds.hyperShade(a='EMP')              else:            cmds.polySphere(r=2)            cmds.move(i+5,i+10,i)            cmds.xform(ws=True, rotatePivot=(0,0,0))            cmds.rotate(x*i,y*i,z*i)            cmds.hyperShade(a='FRAG')mySpike(0,15,0)

The issue I'm having is that it's giving me a "syntax error @ line 1" and is referring to my use of 

if i%2 = 0:

The idea was to create a sphere, move it, set its rotational pivot to the origin, rotate around that new pivot and then apply a material based on the return of i%2 (both if/else outputs are the same, except for the material chosen).

Can someone help me understand why I can't go straight from a looping range into an if evaluation?

[Enderman]

you need to do == not =

 

= is stating x = y

== is checking if x == y

[Sephonia]

Oh my goodness, i'm making a comparison not setting a value, thank you so much! No idea how I overlooked that *blush* embarrassing thread >.<

[Enderman]

Oh my goodness, i'm making a comparison not setting a value, thank you so much! No idea how I overlooked that *blush* embarrassing thread >.<

You're welcome

[UselessBread]

Oh my goodness, i'm making a comparison not setting a value, thank you so much! No idea how I overlooked that *blush* embarrassing thread >.<

No worries. I had a function a couple of days ago which I forgot a return in and did not figure out what was wrong with it since the lambda variant worked in the console. Posted it in a skype chat with some buddies asking them for help and instantly noticed my error. Ooops.