databases

>>> import anydbm
>>> db = anydbm.open('captions.db', 'c')

# The mode 'c' means that the database should be created if it doesn’t already exist.
# The result is a database object that can be used (for most operations) like a dictionary.

# If you create a new item, anydbm updates the database file:
>>> db['felicity.png'] = 'Photo of Felicity Smoak.'

# When you access one of the items, anydbm reads the file:
>>> print db['felicity.png']
Photo of Felicity Smoak.

# If you make another assignment to an existing key, anydbm replaces the old value:
>>> db['felicity.png'] = 'Photo of Felicity Smoak falling asleep on her laptop.'
>>> print db['felicity.png']
Photo of Felicity Smoak falling asleep on her laptop.

# Many dictionary methods, like keys and items, also work with database objects. So does iteration with a for statement.
>>> for key in db:
        print key

As with other files, you should close the database when you are done:
>>> db.close()