Python Dictionary pop() Method

Python pop() method removes an element from the dictionary. It removes the element which is associated to the specified key.

If specified key is present in the dictionary, it remove and return its value.

If the specified key is not present, it throws an error KeyError.

Signature

Parameters

key: A key to delete value associated to it.

defaults: If key is not present, defaults value is returned.

Return

It removes and returns value associated to the specified key.

Let’s see some examples of pop() method to understand it’s functionality.

Python Dictionary pop() Method Example 1

A simple example to pop an element from the dictionary. It returns popped value. See the example below.

Output:

25  

Python Dictionary pop() Method Example 2

If the key is not present, it returns an error KeyError. See the example below.

Output:

KeyError: 'shoes'  

Python Dictionary pop() Method Example 3

If key is not present, we can set default value to avoid the error KeyError. See the example.

Output:

100  

Python Dictionary pop() Method Example 4

See one more example to understand the functioning of pop() method.

Output:

{'shirts': 25, 'paints': 220, 'shocks': 525, 'tshirts': 217}  Removed 25 shirts  {'paints': 220, 'shocks': 525, 'tshirts': 217}