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Python 3 reference · Dictionary Methods

Python Dictionary pop() Method

Remove a key and return its value. Returns the default if given and the key is missing; otherwise raises KeyError.

Python 3 Since 3.0

Syntax

dict.pop(key)
dict.pop(key, default)

Parameters

ParameterDescription
key The key to remove.
default optional Returned if the key is missing.

Return value

The removed value.

Examples

Remove and use a valueTry it yourself
user = {"name": "Ada", "password": "secret"}
pw = user.pop("password")
print(user, pw)

Output

{'name': 'Ada'} secret
With a defaultTry it yourself
opts = {"debug": True}
print(opts.pop("verbose", False), opts)

Output

False {'debug': True}

Version history

VersionChange
Python 3.0Added
  • dict.popitem() · Remove and return the last inserted (key, value) pair (LIFO order). Raises KeyError if the dict is empty.
  • dict.get() · Return the value for a key, or a default (None unless given) if the key is missing, without raising KeyError.
  • dict.clear() · Remove every key and value from the dictionary in place, leaving it empty. Other references see the change too.
  • list.pop() · Remove and return the item at a position, the last item by default. Raises IndexError on an empty list.
  • Python Dictionaries · tutorial