Python – Loop Dictionaries: Master Iteration Techniques

Looping through dictionaries in Python lets you access keys, values, or both to perform powerful operations. In this lesson, you’ll learn four key techniques—using a for loop directly, and the items(), keys(), and values() methods. Let’s dive in!

1. Using a For Loop Directly

A for loop iterates over a dictionary’s keys by default. Use indexing to access values.

student = {"name": "Alice", "age": 21, "major": "Computer Science"}
for key in student:
    print(key, student[key])

2. Using dict.items() Method

The items() method returns a dynamic view of key-value pairs, perfect for looping over both at once.

student = {"name": "Alice", "age": 21, "major": "Computer Science"}
for key, value in student.items():
    print(key, value)

3. Using dict.keys() Method

The keys() method gives a dynamic view of keys, letting you loop through them alone.

student = {"name": "Alice", "age": 21, "major": "Computer Science"}
for key in student.keys():
    print(key)

4. Using dict.values() Method

The values() method provides a dynamic view of values, ideal for looping through them directly.

student = {"name": "Alice", "age": 21, "major": "Computer Science"}
for value in student.values():
    print(value)

Key Takeaway: Use for loops with items() for pairs, keys() for keys, or values() for values to unlock flexible dictionary iteration!