What is the difference between Python dictionaries and defaultdict?

What is the difference between Python dictionaries and defaultdict?

Python dictionaries are standard key-value pairs, while defaultdict is a subclass that provides a default value for missing keys.

Can you give me an example of how defaultdict works?

Sure! With defaultdict, you can specify a default type. For example, using defaultdict(int) will initialize missing keys with 0.

How would I use defaultdict to count occurrences of items in a list?

You can do this by iterating through the list and using defaultdict to increment the count for each item.

What are some advantages of using defaultdict over a regular dictionary?

The main advantage is that it simplifies code by eliminating the need to check for key existence before accessing or modifying values.