Can I get JSON to load into an OrderedDict?

Handling different Python versions

For users of Python 3.7 and up, key order is inherently preserved in the dict type. However, when needing to ensure key order or sticking with earlier Python, OrderedDict steps up.

Python 3.6 and previous versions are a different ball game. The standard dict isn't reliable for order, so upgrade Python or stick to OrderedDict.

Working with a JSON file? Swap json.loads with json.load and maintain the object_pairs_hook parameter:

with open('data.json', 'r') as f:
    ordered_json = json.load(f, object_pairs_hook=OrderedDict)


Boost your readability game with the indent parameter in json.dumps:

print(json.dumps(ordered_json, indent=4))  # Because who wants sloppy code?


For the Python 2.7 or earlier versions crowd, you've got to call out collections.OrderedDict while using object_pairs_hook.

For fans of Python 2.4 to 2.6, bring out simplejson library and ordereddict.OrderedDict to preserve the order - because age is no barrier to order!

And lastly, stick to string JSON keys to steer clear of key type nightmares during loading.

JSON order nuances and Python specifics

Python's dict journey

From the depths of Python 3.6, CPython pulled dict into the light of insertion order preservation. By Python 3.7, this "accidental" behavior became a true-blue part of Python. Let's call it Python's rite of passage in handling JSON!

Manual rebuilding of OrderedDict

What if you're stuck with reconditioning an OrderedDict manually? Fear not. You've got Iteration-by-your-side:

ordered_dict = OrderedDict()
for key, value in original_dict.items():
    ordered_dict[key] = value  # One man's key-value pair is another man's treasure!


All scenarios covered

When OrderedDict is your JSON amigo

Reach out for OrderedDict when:

• Config files or data files act picky about order.
• Messing up the metadata order is not an option.
• You're catering to code that has a serious relationship with ordered keys.

JSON parsing: Watch your step!

Stay alert to these:

• Large JSON files could take a toll on your system with OrderedDict.
• APIs that expect keys in a particular order, because we all have high expectations, right?
• Key order matters when deserialization plays with a database schema. So be mindful!