When should I use immutable dictionaries in Python?

When should I use immutable dictionaries in Python?

Immutable dictionaries, like types.MappingProxyType, are useful when you want to prevent modifications to the dictionary after creation.

Can you give me an example of when that would be beneficial?

Sure! If you have a configuration dictionary that should remain constant throughout your application, using an immutable dictionary ensures it can't be altered accidentally.

Are there any performance benefits to using them?

Yes, immutable dictionaries can offer performance benefits in multi-threaded environments since they can be shared safely without locks.

What are the limitations of using immutable dictionaries?

The main limitation is that you cannot change the contents once created, so you need to create a new dictionary for any updates.