Python Dictionaries

Introduction Reading Time: 10 min

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: Bob
      

Real-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

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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?