Fixing Python Pickle error pickle UnpicklingError invalid load key

Python Pickle error _pickle.UnpicklingError: invalid load key, ‘ ‘ is a very popular error which occurs for many different reasons when using pickle.

In this article I am going to show you why this error is happening and how you can solve this error. I am also going to share with you other possible solutions which have worked for many developers who suffered from this error.

Exploring Python Pickle error pickle UnpicklingError invalid load key

This is a very popular error which occurs for many different reasons when using pickle.

The error message should look like the message bellow. Make sure you are not dealing with another error.

Fixing Python Pickle error pickle UnpicklingError invalid load key-problem-banner

Bellow I make my best attempt at solving the error and present multiple possible fixes.

Solution 1 : Use joblib instead of pickle

This solution is only for those who are loading scikit-learn with pickle.

The issue happens a lot when you use sklearn.externals.joblib to create the pickle

The solution is to use joblib instead of loading it using pickle.

Joblib is better for large NumPy arrays, while pickle is better with collections of Python objects.

In all cases you should choose joblib if you are facing this very same issue.

This is the link to download Joblib from the official site :

https://joblib.readthedocs.io/en/latest/

If this solution does not work, please try the solution bellow.

Solution 2 : Avoiding Problems related to Data transfer and Treatment

We have already established that the error occurs when using pickle and has different reasons and causes.

If you share memory between processes or transfer the files you are using pickle with through disk or

read or write data to or from a memory, a lot of bad tings can happen and the data can be corrupted.

If you transferred these files through disk or other means, it is likely they were not saved properly.

If the solutions above helped you, consider supporting us on Kofi, any help is appreciated.

Summing-up : 

The article is over guys, I hope my effort did not go to waste and I helped some of you solve the error _pickle.UnpicklingError: invalid load key, ‘ ‘, keep learning Python and keep coding, cheers.

If you want to learn more about Python, please check out the Python Documentation : https://docs.python.org/3/