Dictionaries

Dictionaries are related to lists. They are both collections of items.

List example:

>>> l = []
>>> l.append('alpha')
>>> l.append('gamma')
>>> l.append('omega')
>>> l = ['alpha', 'gamma', 'omega']
>>> l[1]
'omega'
>>> l.insert(1, 'beta')
>>> l
['alpha', 'beta', 'gamma', 'omega']
>>>

Dictionary example:

>>> d = {}
>>> dict['a'] = 'alpha'
>>> dict['g'] = 'gamma'
>>> dict['o'] = 'omega'
>>> d
{'a': 'alpha', 'o': 'omega', 'g': 'gamma'}
>>> d['b'] = 'beta'
>>> d
{'a': 'alpha', 'b': 'beta', 'o': 'omega', 'g': 'gamma'}
>>>

What are dictionaries good for?

This short video is a bit technical, but if you're familiar with the workings of http, you might find it interesting.

CodeAcademy Lessons

Work through the following CodeAcademy lessons to further solidify your understanding:

Section: LISTS & DICTIONARIES -> Python Lists and Dictionaries -> Dictionaries (10-14)

Section: LISTS & DICTIONARIES -> A Day at the Supermarket

Section: STUDENT BECOMES THE TEACHER (all)

Section: ADVANCED TOPICS IN PYTHON -> Advanced Topics in Python -> Iteration Nation (1-3)

Quizlet

Work through the following Quizlet until you have committed the terms to memory.

Quiz

Try this dictionaries quiz to test your dictionary knowledge.