How to empty a Python dict without doing my_dict = {}?

Question

If the my_dict variable is global, you can't do:

my_dict = {}

that just create a new reference in the local scope.

Also, I found disgusting using the global keyword, so how can I empty a dict using its methods?

score 8 · Accepted Answer · edited Nov 03 '13 at 15:56

8

Use the clear() method?

Documentation - (docs.python.org)

edited Nov 03 '13 at 15:56

Josh Crozier

answered Sep 01 '10 at 13:39

Tao

score 3 · Answer 2 · answered Sep 01 '10 at 13:38

3

you mean like .clear() ?

answered Sep 01 '10 at 13:38

pycruft

score 1 · Answer 3 · answered Sep 01 '10 at 13:38

1

my_dict.clear()

answered Sep 01 '10 at 13:38

Richard Fearn

score 1 · Answer 4 · answered Sep 01 '10 at 13:39

1

my_dict.clear()

answered Sep 01 '10 at 13:39

ngroot

4 Answers4