How to Get Values from a Dictionary in Python [4 Steps]

Python dictionaries are versatile data structures used to store key-value pairs, making it easy to retrieve values associated with specific keys.

In this step-by-step guide, we’ll explore various methods for getting values from a dictionary in Python, breaking down each approach for beginners.

Prerequisites

Before we begin, make sure you have Python installed on your system. You can download Python from the official website: Python Downloads.

Now, let’s dive into the process of getting values from a Python dictionary.

Step 1: Create a Dictionary

First, let’s create a sample Python dictionary to work with.

A dictionary consists of key-value pairs enclosed in curly braces {}.

For this example:

We now have a dictionary named my_dict.

Step 2: Using Square Brackets []

The simplest way to get a value from a dictionary is by using square brackets [] with the key inside them.

Here’s an example:

This code retrieves the value associated with the key 'name' and prints it.

Step 3: Using the get() Method

The get() method allows you to retrieve a value from a dictionary based on a key.

If the key exists, it returns the corresponding value; otherwise, it returns a default value that you can specify.

Here’s an example:

In this code, we use get('age') to retrieve the value associated with the key 'age'.

Step 4: Using a Default Value with get()

You can provide a default value as the second argument to get() to handle cases where the key does not exist.
Here’s an example:

In this code, we specify 'Not specified' as the default value, which is returned because the key 'country' does not exist in the dictionary.

Final Thoughts on How to Get Values from a Dictionary in Python

In this guide, we’ve explored different methods for getting values from a Python dictionary.

Whether you prefer using square brackets [] or the get() method with or without default values, these techniques allow you to access the data stored in dictionaries efficiently.

Understanding how to retrieve values from dictionaries is essential for working with various data structures in Python and is a fundamental skill for any Python developer.