10 Hidden Python Features You Probably Don’t Know (2025 Edition)

Python is simple on the surface — but deep inside, it has dozens of underrated features that even intermediate developers often overlook. These hidden gems can make your code faster, cleaner, and more Pythonic.

Here are 10 powerful Python features you probably don’t know (but should!).

1. The any() and all() Functions

Great for quick validations and conditions.

any([False, False, True])   # True
all([True, True, True])     # True

2. Use get() to Avoid Dictionary Errors

Returns a default value instead of KeyError.

value = my_dict.get("age", "Not Found")

3. The setdefault() Trick

user = {}
user.setdefault("name", "Sachin")
print(user)

4. Tuple Unpacking With *

a, *middle, b = [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
print(a, middle, b)

5. The for…else Feature

Runs else only if loop does NOT break.

for num in numbers:
    if num == 10:
        print("Found")
        break
else:
    print("10 not found")

6. Unpacking Dictionary Using **kwargs

def greet(name, age):
    print(name, age)

info = {"name": "Sachin", "age": 26}
greet(**info)

7. Use enumerate() Instead of range(len())

languages = ["Python", "Java", "C++"]

for index, lang in enumerate(languages, start=1):
    print(index, lang)

8. Sort Without Lambda Using itemgetter()

from operator import itemgetter

students = [
    {"name": "Raj", "score": 90},
    {"name": "Avi", "score": 85}
]

sorted_students = sorted(students, key=itemgetter("score"))
print(sorted_students)

9. Dictionary Comprehension

pairs = [("a", 1), ("b", 2)]
result = {k: v*2 for k, v in pairs}
print(result)

10. Using _ for Throwaway Values

for _ in range(3):
    print("Hello")

Bonus: Pretty Print JSON

import json

data = {"name": "Sachin", "language": "Python"}
print(json.dumps(data, indent=4))

Conclusion

Python is full of hidden gems that can improve your code quality and save you time. Try using one or two of these features in your next project and immediately feel the improvement.