How to Easily Serialize Arrays of Data Classes to JSON in Python

Learn how to `serialize` your arrays of data classes to `JSON` without the need for additional wrapping classes in Python.
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How to Easily Serialize Arrays of Data Classes to JSON in Python

Serialization is a crucial process in programming, particularly when you're dealing with data exchange between different systems. In Python, JSON is a widely used format for serialization due to its lightweight nature and easy readability. If you're working with arrays of data classes and want to serialize them to JSON, you might run into some complications. In this post, we'll guide you through an efficient method to tackle this issue, all while keeping your code clean and straightforward.

The Problem: Serialization of Data Classes

When you have an array of data classes and wish to convert that into JSON, you might have wrapped your list in another class. This is a common approach but can be cumbersome if all you need is a simple List of items to serialize.
For instance, consider the following structure:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Here, the Persons class wraps a list of Person instances. While this structure allows you to organize your data, it adds an extra layer that may not be necessary when your main goal is to serialize the information to JSON.

The Solution: Directly Serializing a List of Data Classes

Step-by-Step Implementation

Define Your Data Class: Keep the Person data class intact, as it accurately models the data we want to serialize.

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Create a List for Your Data: Instead of using a wrapping class, create a simple list to hold your Person instances.

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Complete Code Example

Here’s what the full code would look like:

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Sample Output

The resulting JSON will look something like this:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Conclusion