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5.0 Python: Remove Dictionary Items

5.1 Removing Items​

There are several methods to remove items from a dictionary:

5.1.1 Example​

The pop() method removes the item with the specified key name:

thisdict = {
  "brand": "Ford",
  "model": "Mustang",
  "year": 1964
}

thisdict.pop("model")
print(thisdict)

5.1.2 Example​

The popitem() method removes the last inserted item (in versions before 3.7, a random item is removed instead):

thisdict = {
  "brand": "Ford",
  "model": "Mustang",
  "year": 1964
}

thisdict.popitem()
print(thisdict)

5.1.3 Example​

The del keyword removes the item with the specified key name:

thisdict = {
  "brand": "Ford",
  "model": "Mustang",
  "year": 1964
}

del thisdict["model"]
print(thisdict)

5.1.4 Example​

The del keyword can also delete the dictionary completely:

thisdict = {
  "brand": "Ford",
  "model": "Mustang",
  "year": 1964
}

del thisdict
print(thisdict) #this will cause an error because "thisdict" no longer exists.

5.1.5 Example​

The clear() method empties the dictionary:

thisdict = {
  "brand": "Ford",
  "model": "Mustang",
  "year": 1964
}

thisdict.clear()
print(thisdict)