thisdict = {
"brand": "Ford",
"model": "Mustang",
"year": 1964
}
Dictionaries are used to store data values in key:value pairs.
A dictionary is a collection which is ordered*, changeable and do not allow duplicates.
As of Python version 3.7, dictionaries are ordered. In Python 3.6 and earlier, dictionaries are unordered.
Dictionaries are written with curly brackets, and have keys and values:
ExampleCreate and print a dictionary:
thisdict = {
"brand": "Ford",
"model": "Mustang",
"year": 1964
}
print(thisdict)
Dictionary items are ordered, changeable, and do not allow duplicates.
Dictionary items are presented in key:value pairs, and can be referred to by using the key name.
ExamplePrint the "brand" value of the dictionary:
thisdict = {
"brand": "Ford",
"model": "Mustang",
"year": 1964
}
print(thisdict["brand"])
As of Python version 3.7, dictionaries are ordered. In Python 3.6 and earlier, dictionaries are unordered.
When we say that dictionaries are ordered, it means that the items have a defined order, and that order will not change.
Unordered means that the items do not have a defined order, you cannot refer to an item by using an index.
ChangeableDictionaries are changeable, meaning that we can change, add or remove items after the dictionary has been created.
Duplicates Not AllowedDictionaries cannot have two items with the same key:
ExampleDuplicate values will overwrite existing values:
thisdict = {
"brand": "Ford",
"model": "Mustang",
"year": 1964,
"year": 2020
}
print(thisdict)
To determine how many items a dictionary has, use the len()
function:
Print the number of items in the dictionary:
print(len(thisdict))
Try it Yourself » Dictionary Items - Data TypesThe values in dictionary items can be of any data type:
ExampleString, int, boolean, and list data types:
thisdict = {
"brand": "Ford",
"electric": False,
"year": 1964,
"colors": ["red", "white", "blue"]
}
From Python's perspective, dictionaries are defined as objects with the data type 'dict':
<class 'dict'>
ExamplePrint the data type of a dictionary:
thisdict = {
"brand": "Ford",
"model": "Mustang",
"year": 1964
}
print(type(thisdict))
It is also possible to use the dict() constructor to make a dictionary.
ExampleUsing the dict() method to make a dictionary:
thisdict = dict(name = "John", age = 36, country = "Norway")
print(thisdict)
There are four collection data types in the Python programming language:
*Set items are unchangeable, but you can remove and/or add items whenever you like.
**As of Python version 3.7, dictionaries are ordered. In Python 3.6 and earlier, dictionaries are unordered.
When choosing a collection type, it is useful to understand the properties of that type. Choosing the right type for a particular data set could mean retention of meaning, and, it could mean an increase in efficiency or security.
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