Storing Python dictionaries

Quick and dirty with Pickle

Don't mind about cross-language readability or security? pickle is your friend:

import pickle

# Save your dict
with open('my_dict.pkl', 'wb') as file:
    pickle.dump({'key': 'value'}, file)  # Pickling! Because cucumbers are too mainstream...

# Reload it
with open('my_dict.pkl', 'rb') as file:
    data = pickle.load(file)  # Be careful while opening the jar!
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Note: Use 'wb' and 'rb' modes for binary writings and readings respectively with pickle.

Pretty JSON for Homo-sapiens

When readability is important, you can make JSON pretty:

# Save your dict - now pretty!
with open('my_dict.json', 'w') as file:
    json.dump({'key': 'value'}, file, indent=4, sort_keys=True)  # Because pretty matters!
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Considering alternatives: ujson and klepto

For ultra-fast operations, swap json with ujson:

import ujson

# Save your dict - now with ujson!
with open('my_dict.json', 'w') as file:
    ujson.dump({'key': 'value'}, file)  # Super-speed, because we are always in a hurry!
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For dictionary-like archiving to a file, directory, or database, check klepto:

from klepto.archives import file_archive

# Save your dict - now with klepto!
my_dict = {'key': 'value'}
archive = file_archive('my_dict.klepto')
archive['my_dict'] = my_dict
archive.dump()  # Ultimate thief or really-advanced archivist? You decide!
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Hashes to ashes, bits to bytes

When files are too large or complex, consider other serialization/deserialization methods:

• dill: stores almost anything in Python, perfect for complex objects.
• ujson: ultra-fast encoding and decoding, when time is money.
• klepto: dictionary-like archiving to files, directories, or databases, when order and structure are your thing.

Remember: Good encoding and decoding practices can save you from many headaches.