What You'll Learn: In this tutorial, you'll discover how to copy a dictionary in Python. Copying dictionaries allows you to create a separate copy without affecting the original.

Why Not Use dict2 = dict1?

You cannot copy a dictionary simply by typing dict2 = dict1, because dict2 will only be a reference to dict1. Changes made in dict1 will automatically also be made in dict2.

Method 1: Using the copy() Method

One way to make a copy of a dictionary is to use the built-in copy() method.

Example Code:

thisdict = {
  "brand": "Ford",
  "model": "Mustang",
  "year": 1964
}
mydict = thisdict.copy()
print(mydict)

Output: {'brand': 'Ford', 'model': 'Mustang', 'year': 1964}

What's Happening Here?

• thisdict.copy() creates a copy of thisdict and stores it in mydict.

Method 2: Using the dict() Function

Another way to make a copy of a dictionary is to use the built-in dict() function.

Example Code:

thisdict = {
  "brand": "Ford",
  "model": "Mustang",
  "year": 1964
}
mydict = dict(thisdict)
print(mydict)

Output: {'brand': 'Ford', 'model': 'Mustang', 'year': 1964}

What's Happening Here?

• dict(thisdict) creates a copy of thisdict and stores it in mydict.

Try It Yourself: Fun Exercises

1. Copy Your Favorite Books:
   • Create a dictionary of your favorite books and their authors.
   • Use the copy() method to create a copy of this dictionary.
2. Duplicate Your Snack Inventory:
   • Write a dictionary of snacks and their quantities.
   • Use the dict() function to create a copy of this dictionary.

Summary:

In this Python tutorial, we learned how to copy dictionaries using the copy() method and the dict() function. These methods help you create a separate copy of a dictionary without affecting the original. Keep experimenting and have fun with dictionaries in Python!