# dicttool(3tcl) 1.2 dicttool "Extensions to the standard "dict" command"

## Name

dicttool - Dictionary Tools

## Synopsis

- package require Tcl 8.5 9
- package require dicttool ?1.2?

- ladd varname args
- ldelete varname args
- dict getnull args
- dict print dict
- dict is_dict value
- rmerge args

## Description

The dicttool package enhances the standard dict command with several new commands. In addition, the package also defines several "creature comfort" list commands as well. Each command checks to see if a command already exists of the same name before adding itself, just in case any of these slip into the core.

ladd varname args

  This command will add a new instance of each element in args to varname, but only if that element is not already present.

ldelete varname args

  This command will delete all instances of each element in args from varname.

dict getnull args

  Operates like dict get, however if the key args does not exist, it returns an empty list instead of throwing an error.

dict print dict

  This command will produce a string representation of dict, with each nested branch on a newline, and indented with two spaces for every level.

dict is_dict value

  This command will return true if value can be interpreted as a dict. The command operates in such a way as to not force an existing dict representation to shimmer into another internal rep.

rmerge args

  Return a dict which is the product of a recursive merge of all of the arguments. Unlike dict merge, this command descends into all of the levels of a dict. Dict keys which end in a : indicate a leaf, which will be interpreted as a literal value, and not descended into further.

      set items [dict merge {
        option {color {default: green}}
      } {
        option {fruit {default: mango}}
      } {
        option {color {default: blue} fruit {widget: select values: {mango apple cherry grape}}}
      }]
      puts [dict print $items]

  Prints the following result:

      option {
        color {
          default: blue
        }
        fruit {
          widget: select
          values: {mango apple cherry grape}
        }
      }

## Bugs, Ideas, Feedback

This document, and the package it describes, will undoubtedly contain bugs and other problems. Please report such in the category dict of the Tcllib Trackers. Please also report any ideas for enhancements you may have for either package and/or documentation.

When proposing code changes, please provide unified diffs, i.e the output of diff -u.

Note further that attachments are strongly preferred over inlined patches. Attachments can be made by going to the Edit form of the ticket immediately after its creation, and then using the left-most button in the secondary navigation bar.

## Keywords

dict

## Category

Utilities

## Copyright

Copyright © 2017 Sean Woods <yoda@etoyoc.com>