---
id: multi-key-dict
version: "2.0.3"
license: License :: OSI Approved :: MIT License (http://opensource.org/licenses/MIT)
license_treatment: permissive
maintenance: abandoned
---

# multi_key_dict — Multi key dictionary implementation

License: permissive · Maintenance: abandoned · Downloads: 4.9M/mo

## What it is and what it does

multi_key_dict is a Python dictionary implementation that allows a single value to be accessed and modified through multiple different keys. When you create an entry with multiple keys (e.g., `k[1000, 'kilo', 'k'] = value`), that value becomes accessible via any of those keys; updating the value through one key automatically reflects the change across all keys. The package extends the standard dict interface with methods to iterate over items by key type, find all keys mapping to a value, and perform other multi-key operations.

The package has no runtime dependencies and is classified as production-stable, though it has been abandoned since its latest release on 2015-09-20. It remains in the top 5000 PyPI packages by download volume, suggesting ongoing use despite its age.

Use it for:

- Create lookup tables where items have multiple identifiers (e.g., product ID, SKU, and name all pointing to the same record).
- Build index-name mappings that allow iteration by either numeric index or string name.
- Implement alias systems where multiple names or codes refer to the same underlying object.
- Store configuration or reference data accessible by multiple key formats (e.g., both short and long form).

## Worth the install?

AI-flagged interpretation of the facts above — verify before relying.

A dictionary that maps multiple keys to the same value, allowing you to access or update an element using any of its associated keys.

Yes, if you need multi-key lookup and accept the maintenance risk. The package is stable and permissively licensed with no known vulnerabilities, but it is abandoned and uses outdated distribution formats. Install only if you have tested it on your target Python version and are comfortable maintaining a fork if needed. For new projects, consider whether a modern alternative or a simple wrapper around a standard dict would be more maintainable.

## Install

pip install multi-key-dict
uv add multi-key-dict
poetry add multi-key-dict

## Installing multi_key_dict

Before you install: High install friction: the package is abandoned (last commit 2017-09-02) with no runtime dependencies. The distribution includes multiple archive formats (.tar.gz, .zip, .exe) but no wheels, suggesting outdated packaging practices.

License in practice: MIT license (permissive) means you can use, modify, and distribute the package freely with minimal restrictions, though you must include the license notice.

Quickstart:

from multi_key_dict import multi_key_dict

k = multi_key_dict()
k[1000, 'kilo', 'k'] = 'kilo (x1000)'
print(k[1000])  # 'kilo (x1000)'
print(k['k'])   # 'kilo (x1000)'

Verify before relying:

- Whether the package works reliably with modern Python versions despite being abandoned since 2015.
- Whether the high install friction (.exe installers, no wheels) reflects actual build/compatibility issues on current systems.
- Performance characteristics when handling large numbers of keys or values.

## Package facts

- License: License :: OSI Approved :: MIT License (http://opensource.org/licenses/MIT) (permissive)
- Python support: unspecified
- Install friction: high
- Maintenance: abandoned
- Downloads: 4.9M/month (top 5,000 on PyPI)
- Known vulnerabilities: none known

## Tags

multi-key dictionary, multiple keys one value, alias dictionary lookup, compound key mapping, key aliasing data structure, data-structure, abandoned-but-stable

[View on SkillFed](https://skillfed.io/packages/multi-key-dict) · [View on PyPI](https://pypi.org/project/multi-key-dict/)