The dictionary data structure

As we have explored, a set is a collection of unique elements, ensuring that no duplicates exist within the structure. In contrast, a dictionary is designed to store pairs of keys and values. This pairing enables us to utilize keys as identifiers to efficiently locate specific elements.

While dictionaries share similarities with sets, there is a crucial distinction in the type of data they store. Sets maintain a collection of key-key pairs, where both elements of the pair are identical. Dictionaries, on the other hand, house key-value pairs, associating each unique key with a corresponding value.

It is worth noting that dictionaries are known by various names in different contexts, including maps, symbol tables, and associative arrays. These terms highlight the fundamental purpose of dictionaries: to establish associations between keys and values, facilitating efficient data retrieval and organization.

In computer science, dictionaries are frequently employed...