How To Use Python Dictionary Pop Method – Easy Python Guide

In this article, we’ll learn what Python dictionary pop method is, its role in Python dictionaries and how to properly use it.

Multiple Python code examples will be provided with detailed with step by step explanation to better understand how Python dictionary pop method works.

After reading this post, you’ll have an in-depth knowledge of how to use pop method practically.

What is Python Dictionary Pop Method?

This method is used to remove/delete items from Python dictionary. Let’s now practically understand it with proper examples. But first, let’s understand its syntax.

Syntax of Pop Method

dictionaryName.pop( key, value(optional) )

We have to pass a specific key to this method. Pair of key and value will be removed of that specific key from dictionary.

If you use only key and the key is found then it will delete this key value pair. But if not found, then it’ll show a key error exception.

So for this reason, a default value can be passed as the second argument of pop method.

Implementing Python Dictionary Pop Method (Multiple Examples)

Below examples will practically demonstrate the role of pop method.

Example 1: Remove Item From Dictionary

dictValues={'name':'Zeeshan','age':24,'height':6}
print(dictValues)       //  {'name': 'Zeeshan', 'age': 24, 'height': 6}

dictValues.pop('age')   // it will remove the key value pair of that specific key
print(dictValues)      // {'name': 'Zeeshan', 'height': 6}

Output

{'name': 'Zeeshan', 'age': 24, 'height': 6}

{'name': 'Zeeshan', 'height': 6}

Pop method has successfully removed the key value pair of the key passed to it as an argument.

Example 2: Key Not Found

Let’s now see what will happen if the key passed to pop method is not found in dictionary. See below code:

dictValues={'name':'Zeeshan','age':24,'height':6}
dictValues.pop('weight')  // KeyError: 'weight'

Output

KeyError: 'weight'

In that case, we’ve to give our Python dictionary pop method a default value. See below code:

dictValues={'name':'Zeeshan','age':24,'height':6}
print(dictValues.pop('weight',70))

Output

70

You can see that if the key is not found in dictionary, then the default value will be used. In our case, it is 70. You can pass values of other datatypes as well like list, set, tuple, string, float or even a dictionary.

Example 3: Return Value from Pop Method

dictValues={'name':'Zeeshan','age':24,'height':6}
print(dictValues.pop('name'))

Output

Zeeshan

dictValues={'name':'Zeeshan','age':[24,32,21,29,15],'height':6}
val=dictValues.pop('age')
print(val)

[24, 32, 21, 29, 15]