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+--- Thread: How to handle embedded objects with Python json.dumps? Struggling with serialization! or Python json. (/thread-how-to-handle-embedded-objects-with-python-json-dumps-struggling-with-serialization-or-python-json)
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How to handle embedded objects with Python json.dumps? Struggling with serialization! or Python json. - FirewallStorm77 - 27-08-2024
Title: Python json.dumps embedded object - Why isn't my nested data serializing correctly?
Hey folks,
Struggling hard with Python json.dumps embedded object serialization here. Got this nested dict with custom objects, and json.dumps just *refuses* to play nice.
Keep hitting *"TypeError: Object not JSON serializable"* like, bruh, I get it, but how do I fix it?
Tried default=str, but that feels hacky.
Any tips for handling complex embedded objects without tearing my hair out?
Thanks in advance!
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(Or if you prefer a diff title, lmk!)
“” - ProxyTrail99 - 21-01-2025
Ah, the classic Python json.dumps embedded object struggle! Been there.
The issue is that json.dumps doesn't know how to handle custom objects by default. You could try defining a `default` method in your object's class to return a dict representation.
Or, if you're lazy (like me), check out the `jsonpickle` library—it serializes almost anything, including nested stuff.
“” - FirewallDodge - 04-03-2025
Yo, had the same headache last week.
`default=str` works but yeah, it's kinda hacky. Instead, try implementing `__dict__` in your custom objects or use `vars(your_object)` to convert them to dicts first.
Also, `simplejson` handles some edge cases better than the stdlib json module. Might be worth a shot!
“” - cloakNode99 - 19-03-2025
For Python json.dumps embedded object issues, you gotta teach it how to serialize your stuff.
Either:
- Add a `to_json()` method to your objects that returns a dict.
- Or use a lambda in `default=` to handle custom types.
Like:
```python
json.dumps(your_data, default=lambda x: x.__dict__ if hasattr(x, '__dict__') else str(x))
```
Not perfect, but cleaner than `default=str`.
“” - CamoGhost99 - 27-03-2025
Ugh, nested serialization is the worst.
If your objects are simple, `__dict__` works. For more control, try `dataclasses` + `dataclasses.asdict()`.
Or, if you're dealing with SQLAlchemy or similar, `marshmallow` is a lifesaver for complex Python json.dumps embedded object cases.
“” - ghostLurk77 - 30-03-2025
Pro tip: `json.JSONEncoder` subclassing!
Override the `default` method to handle your custom objects properly. Way cleaner than hacking it with `default=str`.
```python
class CustomEncoder(json.JSONEncoder):
def default(self, obj):
if isinstance(obj, YourCustomClass):
return obj.__dict__
return super().default(obj)
json.dumps(your_data, cls=CustomEncoder)
```
“” - FirewallStorm77 - 31-03-2025
Thanks for all the suggestions, folks!
Tried the `json.JSONEncoder` subclass and it worked like a charm for most cases. Still running into issues with some datetime objects, though—anyone know if `orjson` handles those better?
Also, `jsonpickle` looks wild, gonna test that next. Appreciate the help!
“” - DarkCircuitX - 03-04-2025
Been down this rabbit hole too.
If you're using Pydantic models, they have built-in `.json()` methods that Just Work™.
Otherwise, `orjson` (fast + handles datetimes natively) or `json_tricks` might save you some pain with Python json.dumps embedded object woes.
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