12/17/24, 1:52 PM Switch Case in Python (Replacement) - GeeksforGeeks

Switch Case in Python (Replacement)

Last Updated : 25 Jul, 2024

In this article, we will try to understand Switch Case in Python (Replacement).

What is the replacement of Switch Case in Python?

Unlike every other programming language we have used before, Python does
not have a switch or case statement. To get around this fact, we use dictionary
mapping.

Method 1: Switch Case implement in Python using Dictionary Mapping

In Python, a dictionary is an unordered collection of data values that can be

used to store data values. Unlike other data types, which can only include a
single value per element, dictionaries can also contain a key: value pair.
The key value of the dictionary data type functions as cases in a switch
statement when we use the dictionary to replace the Switch case statement.

Python3

1 # Function to convert number into string

2 # Switcher is dictionary data type here
3 def numbers_to_strings(argument):
4 switcher = {
5 0: "zero",
6 1: "one",
7 2: "two",
8 }
9
10 # get() method of dictionary data type returns
11 # value of passed argument if it is present
12 # in dictionary otherwise second argument will
13 # be assigned as default value of passed argument
14 return switcher.get(argument, "nothing")
15

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# Driver program
17 if __name__ == "__main__":
18 argument=0
19 print (numbers_to_strings(argument))

Output

zero

Method 2: Switch Case implement in Python using if-else

The if-else is another method to implement switch case replacement. It is used

to determine whether a specific statement or block of statements will be
performed or not, i.e., whether a block of statements will be executed if a
specific condition is true or not.

Python

1 bike = 'Yamaha'
2
3 if bike == 'Hero':
4 print("bike is Hero")
5
6 elif bike == "Suzuki":
7 print("bike is Suzuki")
8
9 elif bike == "Yamaha":
10 print("bike is Yamaha")
11
12 else:
13 print("Please choose correct answer")

Output

bike is Yamaha

Method 3: Switch Case implement in Python using Class

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In this method, we are using a class to create a switch method inside the
python switch class in Python.

Python

1 class Python_Switch:
2 def day(self, month):
3
4 default = "Incorrect day"
5
6 return getattr(self, 'case_' + str(month), lambda:
default)()
7
8 def case_1(self):
9 return "Jan"
10
11 def case_2(self):
12 return "Feb"
13
14 def case_3(self):
15 return "Mar"
16
17
18 my_switch = Python_Switch()
19
20 print(my_switch.day(1))
21
22 print(my_switch.day(3))

Output
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Jan
Mar

Switch Case in Python

In Python 3.10 and after that, Python will support this by using match in place
of switch:

Python

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2 def number_to_string(argument):
3 match argument:
4 case 0:
5 return "zero"
6 case 1:
7 return "one"
8 case 2:
9 return "two"
10 case default:
11 return "something"
12
13
14 head = number_to_string(2)
15 print(head)

It is similar to that of switch cases in C++, Java, etc.

Switch Case in Python (Replacement) – FAQs

How to Implement Switch-Case Functionality in Python?

Python does not have a built-in switch-case statement like some other
programming languages. However, you can achieve similar functionality
using alternatives such as dictionaries, if-elif-else chains, or the match-
case statement introduced in Python 3.10.

What Alternatives Exist for Switch-Case Statements in Python?

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If-Elif-Else Chains:

value = 2

if value == 1:
result = "one"
elif value == 2:
result = "two"
elif value == 3:
result = "three"
else:
result = "unknown"

print(result) # Output: two

Dictionaries:

def one():
return "one"

def two():
return "two"

def three():
return "three"

switcher = {
1: one,
2: two,
3: three
}

value = 2
result = switcher.get(value, lambda: "unknown")()
print(result) # Output: two

Match-Case (Python 3.10+):

value = 2

match value:
case 1:
result = "one"
case 2:
result = "two"
case 3:
result = "three"
case _:
result = "unknown"
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print(result) # Output: two

How is the Match-Case Statement Used in Python 3.10?

The match-case statement introduced in Python 3.10 provides a more

readable and efficient way to handle multiple conditions. It allows you to
match values against patterns.

Example:

value = 2

match value:
case 1:
result = "one"
case 2:
result = "two"
case 3:
result = "three"
case _:
result = "unknown"

print(result) # Output: two

How to Use Dictionaries as a Switch-Case Alternative in Python?

Dictionaries can be used to map keys to functions, providing a concise

and efficient switch-case alternative.

Example:

def one():
return "one"

def two():
return "two"

def three():
return "three"

switcher = {

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1: one,
2: two,
3: three
}

value = 2
result = switcher.get(value, lambda: "unknown")()
print(result) # Output: two

Explanation:

Define functions for each case.

Use a dictionary to map each value to its corresponding function.
Use get method to retrieve the function, with a default lambda function
for unknown values.
Call the retrieved function.

What Are Advantages of Using Match-Case Over If-Else in Python?

1. Readability: The match-case syntax is more readable and concise

compared to multiple if-elif-else statements.

match value:
case 1:
result = "one"
case 2:
result = "two"
case _:
result = "unknown"

2. Pattern Matching: match-case supports complex pattern matching, not

just simple value matching.

point = (1, 2)

match point:
case (0, 0):
result = "Origin"
case (x, 0):
result = f"X-axis at {x}"
case (0, y):
result = f"Y-axis at {y}"

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case (x, y):

result = f"Point at {x}, {y}"

3. Efficiency: The match-case statement can be more efficient, especially

with complex matching patterns.

4. Maintainability: With clear structure and reduced boilerplate, match-

case makes the code easier to maintain.

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Switch Case in Python

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Comment More info Next Article

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