dotdict-tool 0.1.1

A dotdict implementation for Python

Dotdict (dotdict-tool)

A tiny, convenient wrapper around Python's dict that lets you access keys via dot notation while preserving normal dict behavior. Nested dicts (and dicts inside lists) are auto-wrapped into Dotdict on access.

Works great for quick data access in scripts, small apps, and anywhere you want ergonomic attribute-style access without bringing in heavy dependencies.

Installation

pip install dotdict-tool

Quick start

from Dotdict import Dotdict

data = {
    "name": "Bao",
    "age": 30,
    "address": {"city": "HCMC", "country": "Vietnam"}
}

# Convert sang Dotdict
d = Dotdict(data)

print(d.name)            # Bao
print(d.age)             # 30
print(d.address.city)    # HCMC

Key features

• Dot notation access: d.user.name instead of d["user"]["name"].
• Auto-wrap nested dicts: Nested dicts become Dotdict on access.
• List support: Dicts inside lists are wrapped on access (d.items[0].id).
• Missing keys are safe: Accessing a missing key returns a readable placeholder string instead of raising an error.
• Still a real dict: Inherits from dict; you can use all standard dict methods (keys, items, get, update, ...).

Behavior and API

• Attribute access and assignment

  • d.attr is equivalent to d["attr"].
  • d.attr = value is equivalent to d["attr"] = value.

• Auto-wrapping on read

  • When you read a key:
    • If the value is a dict, it is replaced in-place with Dotdict(value) and returned.
    • If the value is a list, any dict elements inside are converted in-place to Dotdict.

• Missing keys

  • Accessing a missing key returns the string pattern "[~~missing-key-<key>~~]".
  • Example:

    d = Dotdict({})
    print(d.username)  # [~~missing-key-username~~]
    

• Standard dict behavior

  • All regular dict operations are supported: iteration, membership checks, updates, etc.
  • Example:

    for key, value in d.items():
        print(key, value)
    d.update({"role": "admin"})
    

Edge cases and tips

• Key name clashes with dict attributes

  • If a key name matches a dict attribute/method (e.g., keys, items, get), attribute access will refer to the dict method, not your value. Use index access in such cases:

    d = Dotdict({"keys": [1, 2, 3]})
    d.keys            # <built-in method keys of Dotdict object>
    d["keys"]        # [1, 2, 3]
    

• Converting back to plain dicts

  • dict(d) returns a shallow dict, but nested values remain Dotdict where present. For a deep conversion:

    def to_plain_dict(obj):
        if isinstance(obj, Dotdict):
            return {k: to_plain_dict(v) for k, v in obj.items()}
        if isinstance(obj, list):
            return [to_plain_dict(v) for v in obj]
        return obj
    
    plain = to_plain_dict(d)
    

• Serialization

  • Dotdict is JSON-serializable as long as the underlying values are. If you need to ensure no Dotdict instances are present, run the deep conversion above first.

Additional examples

# Attribute assignment
d = Dotdict({})
d.user = {"name": "Bao"}     # auto-wraps on read
print(d.user.name)             # Bao

# Lists of dicts
d = Dotdict({"items": [{"id": 1}, {"id": 2}]})
print(d.items[0].id)           # 1
print(d.items[1].id)           # 2

# Mixing attribute and index access
profile = Dotdict({"name": "Bao", "links": {"github": "https://github.com/..."}})
print(profile["name"])        # Bao
print(profile.links.github)    # https://github.com/...

Import path

• After install via pip: from Dotdict import Dotdict
• Inside this repository (editable install): still from Dotdict import Dotdict

Requirements

• Python 3.10+

Contributing

Issues and pull requests are welcome. If you spot an edge case or want to propose improvements (e.g., optional strict mode, opt-out of missing-key placeholder), open an issue first to discuss.

Disclaimer

Dotdict trades a bit of strictness for convenience. Prefer explicit key access in production-critical or highly dynamic domains where silent fallbacks could hide errors.