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Learn Using the del Keyword: Removing Dictionary Entries | Mastering Python Dictionaries
Python Data Structures

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Using the del Keyword: Removing Dictionary Entries

In Python, you can remove keys from a dictionary using the del keyword. This allows you to delete specific entries or even clear the entire dictionary. Let's explore how this works using a library-related example.

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book = { "title": "Pride and Prejudice", "author": "Jane Austen", "year": 1813, "genre": "Romance", "copies": 5 } # Deleting a key value del book["copies"] print(book)
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Deleting the Entire Dictionary

If you want to delete the entire dictionary, you can do so with del. However, be carefulβ€”this action removes the dictionary completely, and any further reference to it will raise an error.

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book = { "title": "Pride and Prejudice", "author": "Jane Austen", "year": 1813, "genre": "Romance" } # Deleting the entire dictionary del book # Attempting to print the dictionary after deletion will cause an error print(book) # This line will raise a NameError
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Task

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We are continuing to work with the dictionary authors_books.

  • Remove the element with the key "J.K. Rowling" from the dictionary.
  • Use the del keyword to do this.

Solution

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SectionΒ 2. ChapterΒ 5

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book
Using the del Keyword: Removing Dictionary Entries

In Python, you can remove keys from a dictionary using the del keyword. This allows you to delete specific entries or even clear the entire dictionary. Let's explore how this works using a library-related example.

python
123456789101112
book = { "title": "Pride and Prejudice", "author": "Jane Austen", "year": 1813, "genre": "Romance", "copies": 5 } # Deleting a key value del book["copies"] print(book)
copy

Deleting the Entire Dictionary

If you want to delete the entire dictionary, you can do so with del. However, be carefulβ€”this action removes the dictionary completely, and any further reference to it will raise an error.

1234567891011
book = { "title": "Pride and Prejudice", "author": "Jane Austen", "year": 1813, "genre": "Romance" } # Deleting the entire dictionary del book # Attempting to print the dictionary after deletion will cause an error print(book) # This line will raise a NameError
copy
Task

Swipe to start coding

We are continuing to work with the dictionary authors_books.

  • Remove the element with the key "J.K. Rowling" from the dictionary.
  • Use the del keyword to do this.

Solution

Switch to desktopSwitch to desktop for real-world practiceContinue from where you are using one of the options below
Everything was clear?

How can we improve it?

Thanks for your feedback!

SectionΒ 2. ChapterΒ 5
Switch to desktopSwitch to desktop for real-world practiceContinue from where you are using one of the options below
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