Python Dictionary pop()

In this tutorial, we will learn about the Python Dictionary pop() method with the help of examples.

The pop() method removes and returns an element from a dictionary having the given key.

Example

# create a dictionary
marks = { 'Physics': 67, 'Chemistry': 72, 'Math': 89 }

element = marks.pop('Chemistry')

print('Popped Marks:', element)

# Output: Popped Marks: 72

1. Syntax of Dictionary pop()

The syntax of pop() method is

dictionary.pop(key[, default])

2. pop() Parameters

pop() method takes two parameters:

• key – key which is to be searched for removal
• default – value which is to be returned when the key is not in the dictionary

3. Return value from pop()

The pop() method returns:

• If key is found – removed/popped element from the dictionary
• If key is not found – value specified as the second argument (default)
• If key is not found and default argument is not specified – KeyError exception is raised

4. Example 1: Pop an element from the dictionary

# random sales dictionary
sales = { 'apple': 2, 'orange': 3, 'grapes': 4 }

element = sales.pop('apple')

print('The popped element is:', element)
print('The dictionary is:', sales)

Output

The popped element is: 2
The dictionary is: {'orange': 3, 'grapes': 4}

5. Example 2: Pop an element not present from the dictionary

# random sales dictionary
sales = { 'apple': 2, 'orange': 3, 'grapes': 4 }

element = sales.pop('guava')

Output

KeyError: 'guava'

6. Example 3: Pop an element not present from the dictionary, provided a default value

# random sales dictionary
sales = { 'apple': 2, 'orange': 3, 'grapes': 4 }

element = sales.pop('guava', 'banana')

print('The popped element is:', element)
print('The dictionary is:', sales)

Output

The popped element is: banana
The dictionary is: {'orange': 3, 'apple': 2, 'grapes': 4}