Python 3.10 introduces a series of features designed to simplify common programming tasks, most notably the new pipe operator (|), which now makes it easy to merge and update dictionaries. This new addition demonstrates Python’s continued commitment to providing a more readable and expressive syntax.
In previous versions, merging dictionaries involved using the update() method or dictionary unpacking, which, while effective, was not always the most intuitive or readable. The introduction of the pipe operator | as a dictionary merging tool in Python 3.10 is a welcome enhancement that makes code more accessible and concise. Let’s take a closer look at how this operator revolutionizes dictionary operations.
merge dictionaries
Merging dictionaries is a common task, and Python 3.10 makes it easier than ever. Now, you can concisely merge two dictionaries using the pipe operator:
dict1 = {"a": 1, "b": 2}
dict2 = {"b": 3, "c": 4}
# 合并 dict1 和 dict2
merged_dict = dict1 | dict2
print(merged_dict) # 输出：{'a': 1, 'b': 3, 'c': 4}
In the merged dictionary, key 'b' has a value of 3, which is the value in dict2, indicating that in case of a key conflict, the value of the dictionary on the right takes precedence.
In-situ dictionary update
In addition to creating a new merged dictionary, you can also update an existing dictionary in-place using the |= operator:
dict1 = {"a": 1, "b": 2}
dict2 = {"b": 3, "c": 4}
# 原地更新 dict1
dict1 |= dict2
print(dict1) # 输出：{'a': 1, 'b': 3, 'c': 4}
This operation modifies dict1 to contain all key-value pairs in dict2, again following the rule that in the case of key conflicts, the right-hand value takes precedence.
Improve readability
Adding pipe operators for dictionary operations is a big step towards improving the readability and simplicity of the language. This new syntax is intuitive and easy to master, even for Python newbies. It also fits well with Python's philosophy of being an easy-to-read and write language.