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Loop Through a Nested Dictionary in Python

Last Updated : 28 Mar, 2024
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Working with nested dictionaries in Python can be a common scenario, especially when dealing with complex data structures. Iterating through a nested dictionary efficiently is crucial for extracting and manipulating the desired information. In this article, we will explore five simple and generally used methods to loop through a nested dictionary in Python.

How to Loop Through a Nested Dictionary in Python?

Below, are the methods of How to Loop Through a Nested Dictionary in Python.

Loop Through a Nested Dictionary Using Nested Loops

In this example, Python code iterates through a nested dictionary, printing the outer key and then iterating through the inner dictionary to display each inner key-value pair. It provides a clear representation of the hierarchical structure of the nested dictionary.


Output
Outer Key: outer_key
Inner Key: inner_key1, Value: value1
Inner Key: inner_key2, Value: value2


Loop Through a Nested Dictionary Using Recursion

In this example, below Python code defines a recursive function, `iterate_nested_dict`, to iterate through a nested dictionary, printing each key-value pair. It handles nested structures by recursively calling itself when encountering inner dictionaries, providing a clear and flexible approach for nested dictionary traversal.


Output
Key: inner_key1, Value: value1
Key: inner_key2, Value: value2


Loop Through a Nested Dictionary Using itertools.chain

In this example, below Python code uses the `itertools.chain` module to iterate through a flattened version of a nested dictionary, printing each key-value pair. It simplifies the iteration process by chaining the items of the outer and inner dictionaries, providing a concise .

Output

Key: inner_key1, Value: value1
Key: inner_key2, Value: value2

Loop Through a Nested Dictionary Using json.dumps & json.loads

In this example, belowPython code demonstrates a method to iterate through a nested dictionary by converting it to a JSON string and then loading it back. It utilizes the `json.dumps` and `json.loads` functions, providing a straightforward approach for handling nested structures in a more flattened format.


Output
Key: outer_key, Value: {'inner_key1': 'value1', 'inner_key2': 'value2'}


Conclusion

In conclusion, looping through a nested dictionary in Python involves using techniques like nested loops, recursion, `itertools.chain`, `dict.items()` with recursion, or leveraging `json.dumps` and `json.loads`. The choice depends on factors such as the structure of the nested dictionary and specific task requirements. Each method offers a unique approach, catering to different scenarios for efficient iteration through nested structures in Python.


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