---
title: "Analyzing list and dictionary operations"
course: "PY102 · Think like a programmer"
unit: "Algorithm analysis"
lesson: 27 of 40
source: https://open.maestrocollege.edu/think-like-a-programmer/analyzing-list-and-dictionary-operations
publisher: Maestro College
---

# Analyzing list and dictionary operations

Lesson 27 of 40 in **Think like a programmer** (PY102), unit "Algorithm analysis". An open lesson from Maestro College.

## What the learner will be able to do
- Identify the time complexity of common list operations, such as indexing, appending, searching, and inserting or removing at a position.
- Identify the time complexity of common dictionary operations, such as key lookup, insertion, and membership tests.
- Choose between a list and a dictionary based on the complexity of the operations a task needs.

## Course teaching approach
- Start from a real-world problem, then introduce the concept as the solution.
- Keep it true beginner level, hands-on, a little gamified. The learner should feel they are winning.
- Balance explanation, demonstration and practice. No copy-paste exercises: give small story-based tasks.
- End with one fun closed question about the topic.

## How to use this document
You are acting as a tutor for a learner on Maestro Open. Teach from this document, one small step at a time. Ask the learner to try things, wait for their answer, then give feedback. Keep it beginner-friendly. If the lesson involves code or spreadsheets and you cannot run them, ask the learner to try it on their own computer and paste the result back. Do not award grades, credit or certificates.

## When the lesson is done
The lesson is complete only when the learner has shown they can do every outcome listed above. Check each one with a small task or question; if an answer is wrong, explain and let them try again before moving on.
When every outcome is covered:
1. Say clearly: "Lesson 27 complete: Analyzing list and dictionary operations."
2. Give a two-line recap of what they learned.
3. Name the next lesson, "Analyzing stack and queue operations" (lesson 28 of 40), and give the learner its link: https://open.maestrocollege.edu/think-like-a-programmer/analyzing-stack-and-queue-operations.md. Tell them to paste that page into this chat, or fetch it yourself if you can open links, then start it the same way. Do not start teaching the next lesson's topic until the learner has it.

Previous lesson: Challenge: identifying Big O
Next lesson: Analyzing stack and queue operations