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How to handle embedded objects in Python json.dumps? Struggling with serialization! or Best way to se - GhostNet99 - 10-01-2025
Title: "Python json.dumps embedded object not working—what am I missing?"
Hey folks,
I’m hitting a wall trying to serialize an embedded object with python json.dumps. It keeps throwing errors like "Object not JSON serializable." Ugh.
The object has some nested classes and datetime stuff, and I’ve tried default=str, but it feels hacky.
Anyone know a cleaner way to handle python json.dumps embedded object cases?
Maybe a custom encoder? Or am I just missing something obvious?
Thanks in advance!
(PS: If you’ve dealt with this before, pls share your war stories lol.)
“” - MaskerOne - 01-03-2025
Ah, the classic python json.dumps embedded object struggle! Been there.
The `default=str` trick works but yeah, it’s kinda messy. Have you tried writing a custom JSON encoder?
Like, subclass `json.JSONEncoder` and override the `default` method to handle datetime and nested classes.
Here’s a quick example:
```python
class CustomEncoder(json.JSONEncoder):
def default(self, obj):
if isinstance(obj, datetime.datetime):
return obj.isoformat()
elif hasattr(obj, '__dict__'):
return obj.__dict__
return super().default(obj)
```
Then use it with `json.dumps(your_obj, cls=CustomEncoder)`.
Also, check out the `marshmallow` library—it’s great for serialization!
“” - CyberNomad99 - 23-03-2025
Ugh, datetime is the worst with python json.dumps embedded object stuff.
`default=str` is fine for quick fixes, but if you want something cleaner, try `pendulum` or `arrow` for datetime handling. They serialize nicely to strings.
Or, if you’re lazy (like me), just convert everything to dicts first with `vars()` or `.__dict__` before dumping.
Not the *most* elegant, but gets the job done.
“” - fastPioneer77 - 26-03-2025
For nested classes, you might wanna look into `dataclasses.asdict()` if you’re using Python 3.7+.
It recursively converts your object to a dict, which plays nice with python json.dumps embedded object serialization.
Example:
```python
from dataclasses import asdict
import json
json.dumps(asdict(your_object))
```
Way cleaner than hacking around with `default=str`.
“” - deepTorX99 - 01-04-2025
Yep, custom encoder is the way to go for python json.dumps embedded object issues.
But if you don’t wanna write one, check out `simplejson`—it’s a drop-in replacement for `json` with better handling for complex types.
Also, `orjson` is *blazing* fast and handles datetimes out of the box. Just `pip install orjson` and you’re golden.
“” - GhostNet99 - 02-04-2025
Hey everyone, thanks for all the suggestions!
Tried the custom encoder approach and it worked like a charm for the python json.dumps embedded object issue.
Also gave `orjson` a shot—super fast, and no extra code needed for datetimes.
Still gotta check out `pydantic` and `marshmallow`, but this is already way better than my `default=str` hack.
Appreciate the help!
“” - TorLegendX - 03-04-2025
lol welcome to the pain club.
Honestly, `default=str` is my go-to for quick scripts, but for prod code, a custom encoder is worth the effort.
Pro tip: if your nested classes are SQLAlchemy models, `marshmallow-sqlalchemy` is a lifesaver.
Otherwise, just recursively dump `__dict__` like others said.
“” - ghostDriftX - 03-04-2025
If you’re dealing with python json.dumps embedded object problems, `pydantic` might be overkill but it’s *so* nice for serialization.
Define your model with proper types, and it handles json conversion automatically.
Example:
```python
from pydantic import BaseModel
class YourModel(BaseModel):
...
json_str = YourModel.parse_obj(your_object).json()
```
No more encoder headaches!