Python Loop Through Records Stored in a List of Dictionaries

An inventory report contains multiple products with different quantities.

What You Need to Understand

A list of dictionaries is a common beginner-friendly structure for tabular records. Iterate through each dictionary, then access specific named fields.

When to Use It

An inventory report contains multiple products with different quantities.

Step-by-Step Python Example

products = [{"name": "Pen", "stock": 5}, {"name": "Folder", "stock": 0}]
for product in products:
    if product["stock"] > 0:
        print(product["name"], "available")

How the Example Works

Each loop iteration receives a dictionary. The stock lookup decides whether to print the product name.

Example Output

Pen available
6

A Second Example

Compare this smaller variation with the main example, then experiment with your own values.

items = [{"qty": 2}, {"qty": 4}]
print(sum(item["qty"] for item in items))

Important Behavior and Edge Cases

Validate record shapes when data comes from outside the program; a missing stock key raises KeyError.

Try It Yourself

Calculate the total stock across the product records.

Common Beginner Mistakes

Validate record shapes when data comes from outside the program; a missing stock key raises KeyError.
Treating missing dictionary keys, replacement precedence, and shallow copies as if they had identical behavior in every context.

Key Takeaways

A list of dictionaries is a common beginner-friendly structure for tabular records.
Each loop iteration receives a dictionary.
Validate record shapes when data comes from outside the program; a missing stock key raises KeyError.