---
id: zict
version: "3.0.0"
license: BSD
license_treatment: permissive
maintenance: abandoned
---

# zict — Mutable mapping tools

License: permissive · Maintenance: abandoned · Downloads: 5.1M/mo

## What it is and what it does

Zict is a library of mutable mapping tools designed to work with dictionary-like interfaces in Python. It provides specialized data structures that extend standard dict behavior. The package is lightweight—it has no runtime dependencies—and supports Python 3.8, 3.9, 3.10, and 3.11.

The package is classified as production-stable but has been abandoned for 1215 days. It was originally developed with dask in mind, suggesting it was built to support distributed computing workflows. Because there is no active maintenance, you should treat it as a snapshot of functionality rather than a living project; any bugs or compatibility issues will not be addressed.

Use it for:

- Working with existing codebases that depend on zict for mutable mapping functionality.
- Implementing custom dictionary-like objects with specialized behavior.
- Integrating with dask-based workflows that rely on zict's mapping tools.

## Worth the install?

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

Provides mutable mapping tools and data structures for working with dictionary-like interfaces in Python.

Yes, if you are maintaining or extending an existing codebase that already depends on zict. No, if you are starting a new project—the abandonment status and lack of recent updates make it a poor choice for forward-looking development. The permissive BSD license and zero runtime dependencies make it low-risk to add, but the maintenance gap is a real concern.

## Install

pip install zict
uv add zict
poetry add zict

## Installing zict

Before you install: Installation is straightforward with no runtime dependencies and a pure-Python wheel distribution. However, the package is abandoned—last release was 1215 days ago—so no active maintenance or bug fixes should be expected.

License in practice: Licensed under BSD (permissive), so you may use, modify, and distribute the package freely in both open-source and commercial projects with minimal restrictions.

Quickstart:

pip install zict==3.0.0

from zict import Mapping
# Use zict's mutable mapping tools as documented

Verify before relying:

- What specific mapping types or storage backends the package provides beyond the summary.
- Whether the package remains compatible with Python versions beyond 3.11 despite abandonment.
- What role dask integration plays and whether it requires dask as an optional dependency.

## Package facts

- License: BSD (permissive)
- Python support: supports_current
- Install friction: low
- Maintenance: abandoned
- Downloads: 5.1M/month (top 5,000 on PyPI)
- Known vulnerabilities: none known

## Tags

mutable mapping tools, dict-like data structures, mapping utilities, dask mappings, custom dictionary implementations, abandoned, dask-ecosystem

[View on SkillFed](https://skillfed.io/packages/zict) · [View on PyPI](https://pypi.org/project/zict/)