PyCon intro tutorial/Python scripts2

Step #1: learn about dictionaries

Time to practice looking things up! Use your favorite search engine to learn about another useful Python container type called a dictionary. Answer these questions:

1. How do you create a new dictionary?
2. How do you replace items in a dictionary?
3. If you have a dictionary

   flavors = {"Adam": "vanilla", "Jessica": "chocolate"}

   and execute the code

   flavors["Adam"] = "rum raisin"

   what does flavors now look like?
4. What are 3 examples of when using dictionaries would be a good idea?

Step #2: learn about modules

Time to practice looking things up! Use your favorite search engine to learn about modules. Answer these questions:

1. What does import random do?
2. After reviewing https://docs.python.org/2/library/random.html, how would you select a random item from a list?

Step #3: Review the state capitals quizzer

Review a useful script synthesizes a number of useful concepts that we've covered.

1. Download the script state_capitals.py and save it to your Desktop. Be sure to save it as a .py file.
2. Open the script in your text editor.
3. Read through the script. Think about these questions:
   • Why do we use a dictionary to store the states and capitals?
   • What is the purpose of the variable i in the for loop?
   • What is the purpose of the input function?
   • Think about one way that you could extend the script to make it more useful. How would you make that change in code?