What are the differences between using a dictionary and if-elif statements in Python?

What are the differences between using a dictionary and if-elif statements in Python?

Using a dictionary allows for more efficient lookups and cleaner code, while if-elif is more straightforward for simple conditions.

Can you give me an example of both?

Sure! For a dictionary, you might use my_dict = {'a': 1, 'b': 2} and access values with my_dict['a']. With if-elif, you would write:

if condition == 'a':
    value = 1
elif condition == 'b':
    value = 2

Which one is better for performance?

Dictionaries generally offer better performance for lookups, especially with many conditions, as they use hash tables.

Are there any downsides to using dictionaries?

Yes, dictionaries can consume more memory and may be less readable for very simple conditions compared to if-elif.