What are the best practices for merging dictionaries in Python?

What are the best practices for merging dictionaries in Python?

When merging dictionaries in Python, it's important to consider the method you use. The most common methods are using the update() method, the ** unpacking operator, and the dict constructor. Each has its own use cases.

Can you explain how the update() method works?

Sure! The update() method updates the dictionary with elements from another dictionary or from an iterable of key-value pairs. It modifies the original dictionary in place.

What about using the ** unpacking operator?

The ** unpacking operator allows you to merge dictionaries in a more concise way. You can create a new dictionary by unpacking the key-value pairs from the dictionaries you want to merge.

Are there any performance considerations I should be aware of?

Yes, performance can vary based on the method used. For large dictionaries, using update() is generally more efficient than creating new dictionaries with unpacking.