What does this code means?

Question

pairs = {1: "apple",
"orange": [2, 3, 4],
True: False,
12: "True",
}

print(pairs.get(5, 42))

Answer 1

pairs is a dictionary, it associates every key to its value (key : value)

pairs.get(<key>, <alternative>) gives you the value associated to <key>, but if the key is not found it gives you <alternative>

Answer 2

The number 42 *is* the alternative. So if the key does not exist the function returns the number 42.

Answer 3

Thank you Angelo Simon Sauter

Answer 4

But, there is no alternative matching 42