Python Dictionaries (With Examples) : A Comprehensive Tutorial

Dictionary in Python: An Overview

A Python dictionary is a built-in data structure in Python that organizes data in the form of key-value pairs. You can access the value by its associated A Python dictionary is a built-in data structure in Python that organizes data in the form of key-value pairs. You can access the value by its associated key. Python Dictionaries are mutable; once you assign a value, you can change the value of the content after initialization.

In this Python tutorial, we will explain what a dictionary is in Python programming, how to use dictionaries in Python, Python dictionary examples, as well as give some tips and tricks on working with it effectively.  Python developers earn up to 50% more than average coders. Don’t miss out Enroll in our Free Online Course for Python today!

What is a dictionary in Python?

A dictionary in Python is a group of key-value pairs, sometimes referred to as a hash table. Every key is distinct and corresponds to a single value. Dictionary entries can have their values modified after they are created, which is known as mutability. Data is organized and stored using dictionaries. They can be used to store object-specific information such as attributes and methods.

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How to Create a Dictionary in Python

In Python, creating a dictionary is a simple procedure. Two techniques to create a dictionary are as follows:

1. Using curly braces
2. Using the dict() function

1. Using curly braces

All the key value pairs are written inside curly braces {}. And are separated by colons(:). Individual pairs are separated by commas(,). The data you wish to save is the value, and the key serves as the value's identification.

Example of Creating a Dictionary using Curly Braces in Python Editor

  country_capitals = {"France": "Paris", "Germany": "Berlin", "Italy": "Rome"}
print(country_capitals)

Output

{'France': 'Paris', 'Germany': 'Berlin', 'Italy': 'Rome'}

Using the built-in dict() function, you create the dictionary in this method. Key-value pairs are the only argument accepted by the function.

Example of Creating Dictionary using dict() Function in Python

        country_capitals = dict([("France", "Paris"), ("Germany", "Berlin"), ("Italy", "Rome")])
print(country_capitals)

Output

{'France': 'Paris', 'Germany': 'Berlin', 'Italy': 'Rome'}

Access Value in Dictionary in Python

• To access the objects in a dictionary, use its key name.
• You can use the key inside square brackets.
• The element can also be accessed from a dictionary with the help of a Python function named get().
• This function returns the value after accepting the key as an input.

Example of Accessing Values in Dictionary in Python

        dictionary = {"name": "Mohan Kumar", "age": 35, "city": "New Delhi"}
name = dictionary["name"]
print(name)  

Mohan Kumar

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Adding elements to a Dictionary

• In Python, the assignment operator (=) is the most popular and straightforward way to add elements to a dictionary.
• This method includes directly assigning the required value to the specified key within the dictionary.

Example of Adding Elements to a Dictionary in Python

        student_info = {}
student_info["name"] = "Mohan Kumar"
student_info["age"] = 35
print(student_info)

The code first generates an empty dictionary called "student_info," adds key-value pairs for "name" and "age," and then prints the student's information from the dictionary.

Output

{'name': 'Mohan Kumar', 'age': 35}

Update Dictionary in Python

• The most popular and effective approach to updating a dictionary is using the update() method.
• It updates the dictionary with key-value pairs that are passed in as an iterable object.
• A key's value is rewritten if it is already in the dictionary.
• A new key-value pair is added to the dictionary if a key is missing.

Example of Updating Dictionary in Python

        dictionary = {'name': 'Mohan Kumar', 'age': 35, 'city': 'New Delhi'}
update_data = {'age': 32, 'country': 'India'}
dictionary.update(update_data)
print(dictionary)

A dictionary is initialized with personal data by the code. The 'age' property is then updated, and a new 'country' key with matching values is added. It prints the updated dictionary at the end.

Output

{'name': 'Mohan Kumar', 'age': 32, 'city': 'New Delhi', 'country': 'India'}

Delete Dictionary Elements in Python

• In Python, deleting dictionary elements involves removing specific key-value pairs from the dictionary.
• The specified key-value pair is immediately deleted from the dictionary by using the del keyword.
• If the given key is not present in the dictionary, a KeyError is raised.

Example of Deleting Dictionary Elements in Python Compiler

        dictionary = {"a": 1, "b": 2, "c": 3}
del dictionary["b"] 
print(dictionary) 

Output

{'a': 1, 'c': 3}

Built-in Dictionary Functions

Built-in Dictionary methods

Summary

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