How Can I Replace a Switch Statement in Python?

Alternatives to the Switch Statement in Python

In Python programming, the need arises to return distinct predefined values based on a specified input index. While switch or case statements commonly address this in other languages, Python lacks a dedicated switch statement. This question explores suitable Python solutions to fill this void.

Recommended Solution: match-case Statement

Python 3.10 introduced the match-case statement, offering a robust replacement for a switch statement. Its syntax is as follows:

def f(x):
    match x:
        case 'a':
            return 1
        case 'b':
            return 2
        case _:
            return 0  # Default case if x not found

The match-case statement supports advanced functionalities that extend beyond this basic example. For more information, refer to the official Python documentation.

Alternative Solution: Dictionary Mapping

For Python versions prior to 3.10, a dictionary can serve as an alternative:

def f(x):
    return {
        'a': 1,
        'b': 2,
    }.get(x, 0)  # Default case

This approach maps specific input values to their corresponding return values. If the input value does not exist in the dictionary, the default return value 0 is used.

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