Python Dictionaries
Table of Contents
Description
A dictionary in Python is an unordered, mutable, and indexed collection of key-value pairs. Each key must be unique and immutable (like strings, numbers, or tuples), while the values can be of any data type. "Dictionaries are defined using curly braces {} with key-value pairs separated by colons :"
Prerequisites
- Understanding of variables and data types.
- Familiarity with sets, lists, or basic Python syntax.
Examples
Here's a simple program in Python:
# Creating a dictionary student = { "name": "Alice", "age": 21, "major": "AI" } # Accessing values by key print(student["name"]) # Output: Alice # Using get() method to safely access values print(student.get("grade", "Not Found")) # Output: Not Found # Modifying values student["age"] = 22 # Adding new key-value pairs student["grade"] = "A" # Removing a key-value pair student.pop("major") # Removes "major" entry # Looping through dictionary for key, value in student.items(): print(key, ":", value) # Dictionary keys, values, and items print(student.keys()) # Output: dict_keys(['name', 'age', 'grade']) print(student.values()) # Output: dict_values(['Alice', 22, 'A']) print(student.items()) # Output: dict_items([('name', 'Alice'), ('age', 22), ('grade', 'A')]) # Nested dictionary record = { "id": 101, "info": { "name": "Bob", "department": "CSE" } } print(record["info"]["name"]) # Output: BobReal-World Applications
Representing structured data like JSON or database records.
Mapping usernames to passwords or user data.
Caching results for faster lookup.
Implementing key-value storage systems.
Data wrangling in machine learning and data science.
Where topic Can Be Applied
APIs: Storing response data in JSON format.
Web development: Handling form data and user session
Data science: Data wrangling and feature mapping.
Cybersecurity: IP address–login time mappings.
AI/ML: Feature-label or configuration mappings.
Resources
WatchTopic video source
A comprehensive video
VisitPython pdf
pdf on topic
Interview Questions
What is a dictionary in Python?
How are dictionaries different from lists or sets?
Can dictionary keys be mutable?
What does get() do, and how is it useful?
How do you create a nested dictionary?