Help with two python operators

[Paul McDonald]

In the web2py Application Development Cookbook:

page 69 the | operator

alphabetical = User.first_name|User.last_name ← | what is this doing??

page 82 the &= operator

if not form:

# search flatpage according to the current request

query = db.flatpage.c==request.controller

query &= db.flatpage.f==request.function ← &= what is this doing??

if request.args:

query &= db.flatpage.args==request.args(0)

else:

query &= (db.flatpage.args==None)|(db.flatpage.args=='')

query &= db.flatpage.lang==lang