How to extract all values from a dictionary in Python?

python

data-manipulation

data-analysis

functions

byNikita Barsukov·Jan 18, 2025

To extract all values from a Python dictionary conveniently, utilize the values() method. It returns a view of all values in the dictionary. You can then convert it into a list with the list() function if needed:

my_dict = {'a': 1, 'b': 2, 'c': 3}
values = list(my_dict.values())
print(values)  # Output: [1, 2, 3]

Running my_dict.values() retrieves the values, and list() efficiently transforms the view into a list.

Diving deeper into dictionary methods

Aside from the values() method, Python dictionaries offer keys() and items() methods which are equally versatile:

my_dict.keys() fetches all the keys held in the dictionary.
my_dict.items() operates like a spy duo, retrieving (key, value) pairs for your usage!

These methods work effortlessly with mixed data types, simplifying tasks and supercharging your data manipulation and analysis needs.

Extracting specific data types

What if we want to extract a specific data type from the dictionary? Game on! The values() method got our back. Even if the dictionary has mixed types of values, we can filter them with peace:

inventory = {'apples': 10, 'oranges': 20, 'bananas': 'out of stock'}
# In this store, our loyalty points don't apply to bananas, only integer values.
loyalty_points = [value for value in inventory.values() if isinstance(value, int)]
print(loyalty_points) # Output: [10, 20]

'Inception' level: Nested dictionaries

Nested dictionaries? No problem, friend! With a spot of recursion and an effective use of yield, we can extract values from any multi-level, nested dictionaries:

def extract_nested_values(d):
    for value in d.values():
        if isinstance(value, dict):
            # If Cobb can go another dream level down, so can we!
            yield from extract_nested_values(value)
        else:
            yield value
            
nested_dict = {'a': {'x': 1}, 'b': {'y': 2, 'z': 3}}
print(list(extract_nested_values(nested_dict)))  # Output: [1, 2, 3]

Grabbing values of a specific type

Need to play favorites with your types? Let's say we want only floats:

prices = {'apple': 1.2, 'banana': 0.5, 'cherry': 2.5} 
# We respect the freedom of fruits, but today we're rooting for floats.
float_values = [value for value in prices.values() if isinstance(value, float)]
print(float_values) # Output: [1.2, 0.5, 2.5]

Extracting keys and values together

There are times when we want to get the complete story - the key and its corresponding value together. items() method is our dynamic duo for this:

for k, v in my_dict.items(): 
    print(f"Key: {k}, Value: {v}")
    # The Dynamic Duo strikes again!

Practical applications and optimization of values extraction

Data analysis: Use values() in combination with analytical libraries to derive meaningful insights.
Saving memory: For large dictionaries, avoid directly converting values to a list. Use a for loop or yield to maintain a memory-friendly approach.
Nested dictionary: Tackle nested structures with recursive functions to dive deep for values.

Problem-solving

Duplicate values: Convert values to set() to filter out duplicates.
Ordering values: Use sorted() to order your dictionary values.
Value transformation: Leverage the map() function or dictionary comprehensions to manipulate values.