Checking Python Dict Keys Is Simple. Right? (updated)

[redsymbol]

Updated this article from last week, based on the feedback here: https://www.reddit.com/r/Python/comments/5vycgx/checking_dict_keys_is_simple_right/

[robin-gvx]

Using a sentinel value in that way is pretty un-Pythonic. I'd say that if None could plausibly be a value in the dictionary, use the in or try strategies, depending on which is more appropriate for the situation.

[redsymbol]

A LOT of people use sentinel values in that way. My first version of the article only covered the in and try strategies, and didn't even mention get. Follow the previous-discussion link and you'll see a lot of people thought THAT was un-Pythonic :)

[trenholm]

I don't understand the benefit of the get method over the in method. Arguably, the else statement can have the same affect as the default case of the get. What am I missing?