Question 232 of 498
PCEP Computer Programming and Python Fundamentals Practice Question
A dictionary: d = {1: 'a', 2: 'b', 3: 'c'}. Which code will cause a KeyError?
⚠ Common exam trap
The PCEP exam often tests the distinction between safe dictionary access methods (get, setdefault, in) and the direct indexing operator ([]), expecting candidates to know that only [] raises a KeyError for missing keys.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
d[4]
Accessing a dictionary key that does not exist using square bracket notation (d[4]) raises a KeyError. Since the dictionary d has keys 1, 2, and 3, the key 4 is absent, so d[4] triggers the error.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
d.get(4)
Why it's wrong here
Returns None.
- ✗
if 4 in d: d[4]
Why it's wrong here
Condition prevents error.
- ✓
d[4]
Why this is correct
Key 4 not present.
- ✗
d.setdefault(4, 'd')
Why it's wrong here
Adds key 4.
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
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