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Learn how to maintain the original order of dictionary entries in a `PyQt5 ComboBox` without automatic sorting.
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Prevent PyQt5 ComboBox from Sorting Dictionary Keys Automatically

When working with a PyQt5 ComboBox, you might encounter a frustrating issue: when you add a dictionary as an item, the keys seem to be sorted alphabetically. This behavior can lead to confusion if you intend to display the items in their original order. In this guide, we’ll explore why this happens and provide a simple solution to maintain the order of your dictionary entries.

Understanding the Problem

Imagine you have the following dictionary:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

When you insert this dictionary into a PyQt5 ComboBox and retrieve the data, you may see an output like this:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

As shown, the ComboBox automatically sorts the dictionary keys, which can be counterproductive when you need to maintain a specific order.

Why Does This Happen?

This behavior arises from how PyQt5 and PySide2 handle dictionaries internally. When the dictionary is stored, it is organized in an ordered manner, but when retrieving from the ComboBox, it sorts the items, causing the mismatch. This might seem like a bug or perhaps an unexpected feature of the framework.

The Solution: Using OrderedDict

Fortunately, there’s a straightforward workaround to prevent the sorting behavior by using OrderedDict from Python’s collections module. This collection maintains the insertion order of keys, ensuring that your display remains consistent with your original dictionary.

Step-by-Step Implementation

Import the Required Module: First, you need to import collections.

Use OrderedDict: Instead of a regular dictionary, utilize OrderedDict when adding items to the ComboBox.

Here's how you can implement it:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Expected Output

When executed properly, you should see the following output in your console:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

This confirms that the original order of your dictionary is preserved in the ComboBox.

Conclusion

In summary, while PyQt5 ComboBoxes can sort dictionary keys automatically, using OrderedDict provides a reliable workaround to maintain the desired order. When dealing with dictionaries where order matters, this method ensures that your GUI applications behave as expected, allowing for a more intuitive user experience.

Next time you work with PyQt5 and encounter this sorting issue, remember to implement OrderedDict and enjoy a seamless integration of your data without unwanted modifications!