How to print a value for a given key for Python dictionary?

Python dictionary is a collection of key-value pairs. There are several ways to print or access the value associated with a specific key.

Using the get() Method

The get() method returns the value for a given key. If the key doesn't exist, it returns None by default ?

D1 = {'a': 11, 'b': 22, 'c': 33}
print(D1.get('b'))
print(D1.get('d'))  # Key doesn't exist

22
None

Using get() with Default Value

You can provide a default value to return when the key is not found ?

D1 = {'a': 11, 'b': 22, 'c': 33}
print(D1.get('d', 'Key not found'))
print(D1.get('b', 'Key not found'))

Key not found
22

Using Square Bracket Notation

You can access values directly using the key inside square brackets ?

D1 = {'a': 11, 'b': 22, 'c': 33}
print(D1['c'])
print(D1['a'])

33
11

Handling KeyError

Square bracket notation raises a KeyError if the key doesn't exist ?

D1 = {'a': 11, 'b': 22, 'c': 33}

try:
    print(D1['d'])  # This will raise KeyError
except KeyError:
    print("Key 'd' not found in dictionary")

Key 'd' not found in dictionary

Comparison

Conclusion

Use get() method for safe dictionary access without errors. Use square bracket notation when you're certain the key exists or want to handle the KeyError explicitly.