Python’s unique approach to the switch-case statement
While many other programming languages, like Java, offer built-in switch-case syntax, Python takes a different approach. Although Python doesn’t have a direct switch-case construct, there are multiple ways to simulate this behavior.

Methods to Implement Switch-Case in Python

Using If-Else Chains

The if-else construct in Python can replicate the functionality of a switch-case. In Python, the “else if” statement is shortened to elif, making the code more concise. Here’s a simple example demonstrating this:

user_cmd = input("Please enter your choice:\n")
if user_cmd == "select":
    ops = "select"
elif user_cmd == "update":
    ops = "update"
elif user_cmd == "delete":
    ops = "delete"
elif user_cmd == "insert":
    ops = "insert"
else:
    ops = "invalid choice!"
print(ops)

Using Dictionaries

In Python, dictionaries can be a powerful tool to mimic the switch-case statement. This method involves using the dict.get(key, default=None) function. Here’s how you can achieve switch-case behavior with dictionaries:

user_cmd = input("Please enter your choice:\n")
operations = {
    'select': 'select action',
    'update': 'update action',
    'delete': 'delete action',
    'insert': 'insert action'
}
default_choice = 'invalid choice!'
ops = operations.get(user_cmd, default_choice)
print(ops)

Combining Lambda Functions with Dictionaries

Lambda functions provide a way to create small anonymous functions. By pairing a lambda function with a dictionary, you can further simulate the switch-case behavior in Python. Here’s an example of this technique:

user_cmd = input("Please enter your choice:\n")
operations = {
    'select': lambda: "select action",
    'update': lambda: "update action",
    'delete': lambda: "delete action",
    'insert': lambda: "insert action"
}
ops = operations.get(user_cmd, lambda: "invalid choice!")
print(ops())

For those eager to dive deeper into Python’s control structures and more, check out this beginner’s course.