How to Fix TypeError: Object of type int64 is not JSON serializable in Python DataFrame?

Summary: Learn how to resolve the `TypeError: Object of type int64 is not JSON serializable` when working with Python DataFrames in your data processing projects.
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How to Fix TypeError: Object of type int64 is not JSON serializable in Python DataFrame?

When dealing with data in Python, it's common to use data structures provided by libraries such as Pandas, especially DataFrame. However, you might occasionally encounter the dreaded TypeError: Object of type int64 is not JSON serializable error. This guide will dive into the causes of this error and provide steps to help you resolve it.

Understanding the Problem

The TypeError: Object of type int64 is not JSON serializable typically occurs when you attempt to serialize a Pandas DataFrame containing int64 data type into JSON format using the json module. JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) is a standard text-based format used to represent structured data, and it has a more limited range of data types compared to Pandas DataFrame.

Cause of the Error

Pandas often uses int64 type for integer columns to efficiently handle large datasets. However, the default Python JSON encoder does not recognize int64 data type, leading to the serialization error.

Solution: Converting int64 to Native int Type

To fix this issue, you need to convert the int64 columns in your DataFrame to the native Python int type using the astype() method. Below is an example demonstrating the solution:

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

In the code snippet above:

We create a sample DataFrame with id and value columns of int64 type.

The astype() method is used to convert these columns from int64 to native Python int.

Finally, the DataFrame is serialized into JSON format without encountering the TypeError.

Advanced Usage: Custom JSON Encoder

If you have a more complex DataFrame with a mix of data types and want a more flexible solution, consider implementing a custom JSON encoder:

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

In this example, the custom NpEncoder class extends json.JSONEncoder and adds methods to handle NumPy data types.

Conclusion

Errors like TypeError: Object of type int64 is not JSON serializable in Python DataFrames can be frustrating, but understanding the root cause and applying the right solutions can help you manage data serialization efficiently. By converting int64 columns to native int type or by using a custom JSON encoder, you can ensure seamless integration of your DataFrames with JSON.

Hopefully, this guide has helped you understand how to fix this common issue. If you have any questions or encounter any other issues, feel free to leave a comment below.