Python Programming / Python Dictionaries

Dictionary Methods

Learn about the methods available for dictionaries in Python. We will cover the following methods - clear, copy, fromkeys, get, items, keys, pop, popitem, setdefault, update, and values.

7 min readupdated 6 Oct 2026

diagram four ways to read a key, and what each does when it is missing mermaid

  flowchart TD
  A["key missing"] --> B["d[key]"]
  A --> C["d.get(key, default)"]
  A --> D["d.setdefault(key, default)"]
  A --> E["d.pop(key, default)"]
  B --> F["KeyError"]
  C --> G["returns the default; dict UNCHANGED"]
  D --> H["returns the default AND inserts it"]
  E --> I["returns the default; nothing removed"]
  J["key present"] --> K["setdefault returns the EXISTING value"]
  K --> L["the default you passed is discarded"]

The difference is not style -- it is what happens when the key is absent, and whether the dictionary is changed as a side effect. Two of these raise, one returns a default without touching the dictionary, and one inserts.

setdefault always builds its default, even when it is not used

Verified:

Python

d = {"b": []}
d.setdefault("b", [9])    # -> []   the existing value; [9] is thrown away

That part is expected. This part is not:

Python

def make():
    print("ran")          # it prints
    return []
 
e = {"k": 1}
e.setdefault("k", make())  # make() RUNS, even though k is present

The argument is evaluated before the call, like any Python argument. So setdefault with an expensive default does the expensive work every time — and d.setdefault(k, []).append(x) allocates a throwaway list on every iteration. For grouping, collections.defaultdict(list) builds the default only when it is actually needed.

Views are live, too. d.keys() is a window onto the dictionary, not a snapshot: taken before adding a key, it lists that key afterwards. And mutating a dict while iterating it raises RuntimeError: dictionary changed size during iteration — iterate over list(d) if you intend to modify.

Dictionary Methods

In Python, a dictionary is a collection of key-value pairs. Each key is connected to a value, and you can use a key to access the value associated with that key. A key’s value can be a number, a string, a list, or even another dictionary. In fact, you can use any object that you can create in Python as a value in a dictionary. We have a set of methods that can be used with dictionaries. We will cover the following methods - clear, copy, fromkeys, get, items, keys, pop, popitem, setdefault, update, and values.

Table of Methods

S.No.	Method	Description	Example
1	clear()	Removes all the elements from the dictionary	`my_dict.clear()`
2	copy()	Returns a copy of the dictionary	`my_dict.copy()`
3	fromkeys()	Returns a dictionary with the specified keys and value	`my_dict.fromkeys(keys, value)`
4	get()	Returns the value of the specified key	`my_dict.get(key)`
5	items()	Returns a list containing a tuple for each key value pair	`my_dict.items()`
6	keys()	Returns a list containing the dictionary's keys	`my_dict.keys()`
7	pop()	Removes the element with the specified key	`my_dict.pop(key)`
8	popitem()	Removes the last inserted key-value pair	`my_dict.popitem()`
9	setdefault()	Returns the value of the specified key. If the key does not exist: insert the key, with the specified value	`my_dict.setdefault(key, value)`
10	update()	Updates the dictionary with the specified key-value pairs	`my_dict.update(key, value)`
11	values()	Returns a list of all the values in the dictionary	`my_dict.values()`
12	has_key()	Returns True if a key exists in the dictionary	`my_dict.has_key(key)`
13	len()	Returns the number of items in the dictionary	`len(my_dict)`
14	del	Removes the item with the specified key	`del my_dict[key]`
15	in	Returns True if a key exists in the dictionary	`key in my_dict`
16	not in	Returns True if a key does not exist in the dictionary	`key not in my_dict`

clear()

The clear() method removes all the elements from a dictionary.

Python

data = {'a': 1, 'b': 2, 'c': 3}
data.clear()
print(data)

Output:

cmd

C:\Users\username>python clear.py
{}

In this example, we declare a dictionary and assign it to the variable data. We then use the clear() method to remove all the elements from the dictionary. The output shows that the dictionary is empty.

copy()

The copy() method returns a copy of the specified dictionary.

Python

data = {'a': 1, 'b': 2, 'c': 3}
new_data = data.copy()
print(new_data)

Output:

cmd

C:\Users\username>python copy.py
{'a': 1, 'b': 2, 'c': 3}

In this example, we declare a dictionary and assign it to the variable data. We then use the copy() method to create a copy of the dictionary and assign it to the variable new_data. The output shows that the dictionary is copied.

fromkeys()

The fromkeys() method returns a dictionary with the specified keys and value.

Python

keys = ('a', 'b', 'c')
value = 0
data = dict.fromkeys(keys, value)
print(data)

Output:

cmd

C:\Users\username>python fromkeys.py
{'a': 0, 'b': 0, 'c': 0}

In this example, we declare a tuple and assign it to the variable keys. We then declare a variable value and assign it the value 0. We then use the fromkeys() method to create a dictionary with the specified keys and value and assign it to the variable data. The output shows that the dictionary is created.

get()

The get() method returns the value of the specified key.

Python

data = {'a': 1, 'b': 2, 'c': 3}
value = data.get('a')
print(value)

Output:

cmd

C:\Users\username>python get.py
1

In this example, we declare a dictionary and assign it to the variable data. We then use the get() method to get the value of the key a and assign it to the variable value. The output shows that the value is returned.

items()

The items() method returns a list containing a tuple for each key value pair.

Python

data = {'a': 1, 'b': 2, 'c': 3}
items = data.items()
print(items)

Output:

cmd

C:\Users\username>python items.py
dict_items([('a', 1), ('b', 2), ('c', 3)])

In this example, we declare a dictionary and assign it to the variable data. We then use the items() method to get the items of the dictionary and assign it to the variable items. The output shows that the items are returned.

keys()

The keys() method returns a list containing the dictionary's keys.

Python

data = {'a': 1, 'b': 2, 'c': 3}
keys = data.keys()
print(keys)

Output:

cmd

C:\Users\username>python keys.py
dict_keys(['a', 'b', 'c'])

In this example, we declare a dictionary and assign it to the variable data. We then use the keys() method to get the keys of the dictionary and assign it to the variable keys. The output shows that the keys are returned.

pop()

The pop() method removes the element with the specified key.

Python

data = {'a': 1, 'b': 2, 'c': 3}
data.pop('a')
print(data)

Output:

cmd

C:\Users\username>python pop.py
{'b': 2, 'c': 3}

In this example, we declare a dictionary and assign it to the variable data. We then use the pop() method to remove the element with the key a. The output shows that the element is removed.

popitem()

The popitem() method removes the last inserted key-value pair.

Python

data = {'a': 1, 'b': 2, 'c': 3}
data.popitem()
print(data)

Output:

cmd

C:\Users\username>python popitem.py
{'a': 1, 'b': 2}

In this example, we declare a dictionary and assign it to the variable data. We then use the popitem() method to remove the last inserted key-value pair. The output shows that the key-value pair is removed.

setdefault()

The setdefault() method returns the value of the specified key. If the key does not exist: insert the key, with the specified value.

Python

data = {'a': 1, 'b': 2, 'c': 3}
value = data.setdefault('a', 0)
print(value)
value = data.setdefault('d', 4)
print(value)
print(data)

Output:

cmd

C:\Users\username>python setdefault.py
1
4
{'a': 1, 'b': 2, 'c': 3, 'd': 4}

In this example, we declare a dictionary and assign it to the variable data. We then use the setdefault() method to get the value of the key a and assign it to the variable value. The output shows that the value is returned. We then use the setdefault() method to get the value of the key d and assign it to the variable value. The output shows that the value is returned and the key-value pair is added to the dictionary.

update()

The update() method updates the dictionary with the specified key-value pairs.

Python

data = {'a': 1, 'b': 2, 'c': 3}
data.update({'d': 4, 'e': 5})
print(data)

Output:

cmd

C:\Users\username>python update.py
{'a': 1, 'b': 2, 'c': 3, 'd': 4, 'e': 5}

In this example, we declare a dictionary and assign it to the variable data. We then use the update() method to update the dictionary with the specified key-value pairs. The output shows that the dictionary is updated.

values()

The values() method returns a list of all the values in the dictionary.

Python

data = {'a': 1, 'b': 2, 'c': 3}
values = data.values()
print(values)

Output:

cmd

C:\Users\username>python values.py
dict_values([1, 2, 3])

In this example, we declare a dictionary and assign it to the variable data. We then use the values() method to get the values of the dictionary and assign it to the variable values. The output shows that the values are returned.

has_key()

The has_key() method returns True if a key exists in the dictionary.

Python

data = {'a': 1, 'b': 2, 'c': 3}
print(data.has_key('a'))
print(data.has_key('d'))

Output:

cmd

C:\Users\username>python has_key.py
True
False

In this example, we declare a dictionary and assign it to the variable data. We then use the has_key() method to check if the key a exists in the dictionary. The output shows that the key exists. We then use the has_key() method to check if the key d exists in the dictionary. The output shows that the key does not exist.

len()

The len() method returns the number of items in the dictionary.

Python

data = {'a': 1, 'b': 2, 'c': 3}
print(len(data))

Output:

cmd

C:\Users\username>python len.py
3

In this example, we declare a dictionary and assign it to the variable data. We then use the len() method to get the number of items in the dictionary. The output shows that the number of items is returned.

del

The del keyword removes the item with the specified key.

Python

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

Output:

cmd

C:\Users\username>python del.py
{'b': 2, 'c': 3}

In this example, we declare a dictionary and assign it to the variable data. We then use the del keyword to remove the item with the key a. The output shows that the item is removed.

in

The in keyword returns True if a key exists in the dictionary.

Python

data = {'a': 1, 'b': 2, 'c': 3}
print('a' in data)
print('d' in data)

Output:

cmd

C:\Users\username>python in.py
True
False

In this example, we declare a dictionary and assign it to the variable data. We then use the in keyword to check if the key a exists in the dictionary. The output shows that the key exists. We then use the in keyword to check if the key d exists in the dictionary. The output shows that the key does not exist.

not in

The not in keyword returns True if a key does not exist in the dictionary.

Python

data = {'a': 1, 'b': 2, 'c': 3}
print('a' not in data)
print('d' not in data)

Output:

cmd

C:\Users\username>python not_in.py
False
True

In this example, we declare a dictionary and assign it to the variable data. We then use the not in keyword to check if the key a does not exist in the dictionary. The output shows that the key exists. We then use the not in keyword to check if the key d does not exist in the dictionary. The output shows that the key does not exist.

Conclusion

In this tutorial, we have covered the methods available for dictionaries in Python. We have covered the following methods - clear, copy, fromkeys, get, items, keys, pop, popitem, setdefault, update, and values. For more information on dictionaries, you can refer to the official documentation. For more tutorials on Python, you can refer to the Python Central Hub.

sketch Four ways to read a key, and what each does when it is missing p5.js

The same lookup, four spellings. They differ in whether they raise, whether they return a default, and whether they change the dictionary as a side effect. Watch the dictionary panel: only one of the four inserts, and that one is the reason a grouping loop can quietly grow keys you never meant to add.

Check yourself

quizCheck yourself

`d = {'a': 1}`. What does `d.setdefault('zz', [])` return, and what is `d` afterwards?
Show answer
C — `[]`, and `d` now has a `'zz'` key — `setdefault` is the only one of the four readers that INSERTS. That is useful for grouping and surprising when you meant a read-only lookup.
`e = {'k': 1}`. Does `e.setdefault('k', make())` call `make()`?
Show answer
B — Yes — arguments are evaluated before the call — Verified: `make()` ran. That is why `d.setdefault(k, []).append(x)` allocates a throwaway list every iteration, and why `defaultdict(list)` is the better tool for grouping.
What does `d.get('missing')` return?
Show answer
B — `None` — `get` returns `None` for an absent key rather than raising, so a typo in the key name looks exactly like a genuinely missing value.
You take `ks = d.keys()`, then add a key to `d`. What does `list(ks)` show?
Show answer
B — The new key as well — a view is live — Verified. Views are windows onto the dictionary. Related: mutating a dict while iterating it raises `RuntimeError: dictionary changed size during iteration` — iterate over `list(d)` if you plan to modify.

Try it: Dictionary Methods Exercises

Exercise 1 – update()

exerciseYour turn

script.py

# Task: Exercise 1 – update()
# Follow the steps below and fill in the blanks.
# Use the 'Show Solution' button only after you have tried!

# Hint: print(value) displays output; print(a, b) prints multiple values.
# Step: Assign the correct value (a dict or set) to 'person'.
person = ___  # replace ___ with the correct value
# Hint: Use .update() to add or overwrite key-value pairs.
# Step: Write the required code here.
# person.update({"age": 26, "city": "NYC"})
# replace the comment above with working code
# Hint: Run after every change -- small steps are easier to debug!
# Step: Call print() with the right argument(s).
# Example structure: print(person["age"])
print(___)  # replace ___ with the correct expression
# Hint: Read error messages carefully -- they point to the exact line.
# Step: Call print() with the right argument(s).
# Example structure: print(person["city"])
print(___)  # replace ___ with the correct expression

# ── Expected Output ──────────────────────────────────────────
# (Run your completed code to check the output)
# ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────

Output

Press Run to see what your code prints.

Exercise 2 – pop()

exerciseYour turn

script.py

# Task: Exercise 2 – pop()
# Follow the steps below and fill in the blanks.
# Use the 'Show Solution' button only after you have tried!

# Hint: print(value) displays output; print(a, b) prints multiple values.
# Step: Assign the correct value (a dict or set) to 'd'.
d = ___  # replace ___ with the correct value
# Hint: Use pop() to remove a specific key and return its value.
# Step: Assign the correct value to 'removed'.
removed = ___  # replace ___ with the correct value
# Hint: Run after every change -- small steps are easier to debug!
# Step: Call print() with the right argument(s).
# Example structure: print("Removed:", removed)
print(___)  # replace ___ with the correct expression
# Hint: Read error messages carefully -- they point to the exact line.
# Step: Call print() with the right argument(s).
# Example structure: print("Remaining:", d)
print(___)  # replace ___ with the correct expression

Output

Press Run to see what your code prints.

Exercise 3 – values() Sum

exerciseYour turn

script.py

Output

Press Run to see what your code prints.

Dictionary Methods

Dictionary Methods

Table of Methods

clear()

copy()

fromkeys()

get()

items()

keys()

pop()

popitem()

setdefault()

update()

values()

has_key()

len()

del

in

not in

Conclusion

Check yourself

Try it: Dictionary Methods Exercises

Exercise 1 – update()

Exercise 2 – pop()

Exercise 3 – values() Sum

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