Python Basics · Data Structures · Lesson 17 of 36
Dictionaries
Concept
Dictionaries
Dictionaries store key-value pairs, accessed by key instead of position.
.get("key") is a safer way to read a value than square brackets, since it returns None (or a default you choose) instead of raising an error when the key doesn't exist.
By the end of this lesson
- Explain the core idea behind Dictionaries.
- Predict output before running a change.
- Test one realistic and one unusual input.
- Use the result to make the next decision.
How to study this page
- 1. Read one concept.
- 2. Change the example.
- 3. Run, compare, and explain.
- 4. Complete the challenge below.
Syntax
my_dict = {"key": "value"}
my_dict.get("key", default)ExampleRunnable
student = {"name": "Alex", "age": 20}
print(student["name"])
student["city"] = "Tashkent"Using .get() to avoid errors
student = {"name": "Alex"}
print(student.get("age", "unknown"))Self-check before continuing
Without looking at the example, describe what changes when you modify one input in Dictionaries. Then reopen the editor and prove your explanation with a small test.
You are ready to continue when you can predict, test, and explain the result.
Your turn
Create a dictionary representing a course with title and level keys.
Loading editor…
Console