def ensure_mapping_format(variables):
    """ ensure variables are in mapping format.

    Args:
        variables (list/dict): original variables

    Returns:
        dict: ensured variables in dict format

    Examples:
        >>> variables = [
                {"a": 1},
                {"b": 2}
            ]
        >>> print(ensure_mapping_format(variables))
            {
                "a": 1,
                "b": 2
            }

    """
    if isinstance(variables, list):
        variables_dict = {}
        for map_dict in variables:
            variables_dict.update(map_dict)

        return variables_dict

    elif isinstance(variables, dict):
        return variables

    else:
        raise exceptions.ParamsError("variables format error!")
ensure variables are in mapping format.

    Args:
        variables (list/dict): original variables

    Returns:
        dict: ensured variables in dict format

    Examples:
        >>> variables = [
                {"a": 1},
                {"b": 2}
            ]
        >>> print(ensure_mapping_format(variables))
            {
                "a": 1,
                "b": 2
            }