What does extra parameter mean in this for-loop in Python?

Question

I have come across a for-loop that is unusual to me. What does method mean in this for-loop?

for method, config in self.myList.items():

Answer 1

items() is a method used on python dictionaries to return an iterable holding tuples for each of the dictionary's keys and their corresponding value.

In Python you can unpack lists and tuples into variables using the method you've shown.

e.g.:

item1, item2 = [1,2]
# now we have item1 = 1, item2 = 2

Therefore, assuming self.myList is a dict, method and config would relate to the key and value in each tuple for that iteration respectively.

If self.myList is not a dict, I would assume it either inherits from dict or it's items() method is similar (you would know better).

Answer 2

It's unpacking a tuple returned from the items() call into the method and config variables.