Data Structures and Utilities

This module provides essential data structures and utility functions for handling experiences and datasets in reinforcement learning. The main components include the Transition tensorclass for representing environment transitions, the ReplayDataset for creating iterable datasets from replay buffers, and utility functions for converting between different data formats.

The Transition class wraps observations, actions, rewards, next observations, and done flags as a structured data container, automatically handling conversions between different data types and formats. The ReplayDataset enables integration with PyTorch’s DataLoader for distributed training scenarios.

from agilerl.components.data import Transition, ReplayDataset, to_tensordict
from agilerl.components.replay_buffer import ReplayBuffer

# Create a transition
transition = Transition(
    obs=obs,
    action=action,
    reward=reward,
    next_obs=next_obs,
    done=done
)

# Create a dataset from a replay buffer
buffer = ReplayBuffer(max_size=10000, device=device)
dataset = ReplayDataset(buffer, batch_size=32)

Functions

agilerl.components.data.to_tensordict(data: ndarray[tuple[int, ...], dtype[_ScalarType_co]] | dict[str, ndarray[tuple[int, ...], dtype[_ScalarType_co]]] | tuple[ndarray[tuple[int, ...], dtype[_ScalarType_co]], ...] | Tensor | TensorDict | tuple[Tensor, ...] | dict[str, Tensor] | Number | list[ReasoningPrompts] | ReasoningPrompts, dtype: dtype = torch.float32) TensorDict

Convert a tuple or dict of torch.Tensor or np.ndarray to a TensorDict.

Parameters:
  • data (ObservationType) – Tuple or dict of torch.Tensor or np.ndarray.

  • dtype (torch.dtype, optional) – Data type of the TensorDict, defaults to torch.float32

Returns:

TensorDict, whether the data was a tuple or not.

agilerl.components.data.to_torch_tensor(data: object, dtype: dtype = torch.float32) Tensor

Convert a numpy array, torch tensor, Python number, or other array-like :param data: Numpy array, torch tensor, Python number, or other array-like. :type data: object :param dtype: Data type of the torch tensor, defaults to torch.float32 :type dtype: torch.dtype, optional :return: Torch tensor.

Classes

class agilerl.components.data.Transition(obs: numpy.ndarray[tuple[int, ...], numpy.dtype[+_ScalarType_co]] | dict[str, numpy.ndarray[tuple[int, ...], numpy.dtype[+_ScalarType_co]]] | tuple[numpy.ndarray[tuple[int, ...], numpy.dtype[+_ScalarType_co]], ...] | torch.Tensor | tensordict._td.TensorDict | tuple[torch.Tensor, ...] | dict[str, torch.Tensor] | numbers.Number | list[agilerl.typing.ReasoningPrompts] | agilerl.typing.ReasoningPrompts, action: numpy.ndarray[tuple[int, ...], numpy.dtype[+_ScalarType_co]] | torch.Tensor, next_obs: numpy.ndarray[tuple[int, ...], numpy.dtype[+_ScalarType_co]] | dict[str, numpy.ndarray[tuple[int, ...], numpy.dtype[+_ScalarType_co]]] | tuple[numpy.ndarray[tuple[int, ...], numpy.dtype[+_ScalarType_co]], ...] | torch.Tensor | tensordict._td.TensorDict | tuple[torch.Tensor, ...] | dict[str, torch.Tensor] | numbers.Number | list[agilerl.typing.ReasoningPrompts] | agilerl.typing.ReasoningPrompts, reward: numpy.ndarray[tuple[int, ...], numpy.dtype[+_ScalarType_co]] | torch.Tensor | typing.SupportsFloat, done: numpy.ndarray[tuple[int, ...], numpy.dtype[+_ScalarType_co]] | torch.Tensor | typing.SupportsFloat, *, batch_size, device=None, names=None)
cat(dim: int = 0, *, out=None)

Concatenates tensordicts into a single tensordict along the given dimension.

This call is equivalent to calling torch.cat() but is compatible with torch.compile.

property device: device

Retrieves the device type of tensor class.

dumps(prefix: str | None = None, copy_existing: bool = False, *, num_threads: int = 0, return_early: bool = False, share_non_tensor: bool = False, robust_key: bool | None = True) Any

Saves the tensordict to disk.

This function is a proxy to memmap().

classmethod fields()

Return a tuple describing the fields of this dataclass.

Accepts a dataclass or an instance of one. Tuple elements are of type Field.

from_any(*, auto_batch_size: bool = False, batch_dims: int | None = None, device: device | None = None, batch_size: Size | None = None)

Recursively converts any object to a TensorDict.

Note

from_any is less restrictive than the regular TensorDict constructor. It can cast data structures like dataclasses or tuples to a tensordict using custom heuristics. This approach may incur some extra overhead and involves more opinionated choices in terms of mapping strategies.

Note

This method recursively converts the input object to a TensorDict. If the object is already a TensorDict (or any similar tensor collection object), it will be returned as is.

Args:

obj: The object to be converted.

Keyword Args:
auto_batch_size (bool, optional): if True, the batch size will be computed automatically.

Defaults to False.

batch_dims (int, optional): If auto_batch_size is True, defines how many dimensions the output tensordict

should have. Defaults to None (full batch-size at each level).

device (torch.device, optional): The device on which the TensorDict will be created. batch_size (torch.Size, optional): The batch size of the TensorDict.

Exclusive with auto_batch_size.

Returns:

A TensorDict representation of the input object.

Supported objects:

from_csv(*, auto_batch_size: bool = False, batch_dims: int | None = None, device: device | None = None, batch_size: Size | None = None, separator: str | None = None, dtype: dtype | None = None, **kwargs) Any

Creates a TensorDict from a CSV file.

Requires either pandas or pyarrow to be installed.

Args:

path (str or Path): Path to the CSV file.

Keyword Args:
auto_batch_size (bool, optional): If True, the batch size will

be computed automatically. Defaults to False.

batch_dims (int, optional): If auto_batch_size is True,

defines how many dimensions the output tensordict should have. Defaults to None.

device (torch.device, optional): The device for tensor data.

Defaults to None.

batch_size (torch.Size, optional): The batch size. Defaults to

[num_rows].

separator (str, optional): If provided, column names are split on

this separator to create nested TensorDicts. Defaults to None.

dtype (torch.dtype, optional): If provided, all numeric columns

are cast to this dtype. Defaults to None.

**kwargs: Additional keyword arguments forwarded to the CSV reader

(pandas.read_csv or pyarrow.csv.read_csv).

Returns:

A TensorDict representation of the CSV data.

Examples:
>>> td = TensorDict.from_csv("data.csv")
>>> td = TensorDict.from_csv("data.csv", separator=".", dtype=torch.float32)
from_dataclass(*, dest_cls: Type | None = None, auto_batch_size: bool = False, batch_dims: int | None = None, as_tensorclass: bool = False, device: device | None = None, batch_size: Size | None = None)

Converts a dataclass into a TensorDict instance.

Args:

dataclass: The dataclass instance to be converted.

Keyword Args:
dest_cls (tensorclass, optional): A tensorclass type to be used to map the data. If not provided, a new

class is created. Without effect if obj is a type or as_tensorclass is False.

auto_batch_size (bool, optional): If True, automatically determines and applies batch size to the

resulting TensorDict. Defaults to False.

batch_dims (int, optional): If auto_batch_size is True, defines how many dimensions the output

tensordict should have. Defaults to None (full batch-size at each level).

as_tensorclass (bool, optional): If True, delegates the conversion to the free function

from_dataclass() and returns a tensor-compatible class (tensorclass()) or instance instead of a TensorDict. Defaults to False.

device (torch.device, optional): The device on which the TensorDict will be created.

Defaults to None.

batch_size (torch.Size, optional): The batch size of the TensorDict.

Defaults to None.

Returns:

A TensorDict instance derived from the provided dataclass, unless as_tensorclass is True, in which case a tensor-compatible class or instance is returned.

Raises:

TypeError: If the provided input is not a dataclass instance.

Warning

This method is distinct from the free function from_dataclass and serves a different purpose. While the free function returns a tensor-compatible class or instance, this method returns a TensorDict instance.

Note

  • This method creates a new TensorDict instance with keys corresponding to the fields of the input dataclass.

  • Each key in the resulting TensorDict is initialized using the cls.from_any method.

  • The auto_batch_size option allows for automatic batch size determination and application to the resulting TensorDict.

from_h5(*, mode: str = 'r', auto_batch_size: bool = False, batch_dims: int | None = None, batch_size: Size | None = None)

Creates a PersistentTensorDict from a h5 file.

Args:

filename (str): The path to the h5 file.

Keyword Arguments:

mode (str, optional): Reading mode. Defaults to "r". auto_batch_size (bool, optional): If True, the batch size will be computed automatically.

Defaults to False.

batch_dims (int, optional): If auto_batch_size is True, defines how many dimensions the output

tensordict should have. Defaults to None (full batch-size at each level).

batch_size (torch.Size, optional): The batch size of the TensorDict. Defaults to None.

Returns:

A PersistentTensorDict representation of the input h5 file.

Examples:
>>> td = TensorDict.from_h5("path/to/file.h5")
>>> print(td)
PersistentTensorDict(
    fields={
        key1: Tensor(shape=torch.Size([3]), device=cpu, dtype=torch.float32, is_shared=False),
        key2: Tensor(shape=torch.Size([3]), device=cpu, dtype=torch.float32, is_shared=False)},
    batch_size=torch.Size([]),
    device=None,
    is_shared=False)
from_json(*, auto_batch_size: bool = False, batch_dims: int | None = None, device: device | None = None, batch_size: Size | None = None, separator: str | None = None, dtype: dtype | None = None, lines: bool = False, **kwargs) Any

Creates a TensorDict from a JSON file.

Supports both standard JSON (array of records) and JSON Lines format. For nested JSON objects, use from_dict() instead.

Requires pandas for best results. Falls back to stdlib json for simple cases.

Args:

path (str or Path): Path to the JSON file.

Keyword Args:
auto_batch_size (bool, optional): If True, the batch size will

be computed automatically. Defaults to False.

batch_dims (int, optional): If auto_batch_size is True,

defines how many dimensions the output tensordict should have. Defaults to None.

device (torch.device, optional): The device for tensor data.

Defaults to None.

batch_size (torch.Size, optional): The batch size. Defaults to

[num_rows].

separator (str, optional): If provided, column names are split on

this separator to create nested TensorDicts. Defaults to None.

dtype (torch.dtype, optional): If provided, all numeric columns

are cast to this dtype. Defaults to None.

lines (bool, optional): If True, reads the file as JSON Lines

(one JSON object per line). Defaults to False.

**kwargs: Additional keyword arguments forwarded to the JSON

reader.

Returns:

A TensorDict representation of the JSON data.

Examples:
>>> td = TensorDict.from_json("data.json")
>>> td = TensorDict.from_json("data.jsonl", lines=True)
from_modules(*, as_module: bool = False, lock: bool = True, use_state_dict: bool = False, lazy_stack: bool = False, expand_identical: bool = False)

Retrieves the parameters of several modules for ensebmle learning/feature of expects applications through vmap.

Args:
modules (sequence of nn.Module): the modules to get the parameters from.

If the modules differ in their structure, a lazy stack is needed (see the lazy_stack argument below).

Keyword Args:
as_module (bool, optional): if True, a TensorDictParams

instance will be returned which can be used to store parameters within a torch.nn.Module. Defaults to False.

lock (bool, optional): if True, the resulting tensordict will be locked.

Defaults to True.

use_state_dict (bool, optional): if True, the state-dict from the

module will be used and unflattened into a TensorDict with the tree structure of the model. Defaults to False.

Note

This is particularly useful when state-dict hooks have to be used.

lazy_stack (bool, optional): whether parameters should be densly or

lazily stacked. Defaults to False (dense stack).

Note

lazy_stack and as_module are exclusive features.

Warning

There is a crucial difference between lazy and non-lazy outputs in that non-lazy output will reinstantiate parameters with the desired batch-size, while lazy_stack will just represent the parameters as lazily stacked. This means that whilst the original parameters can safely be passed to an optimizer when lazy_stack=True, the new parameters need to be passed when it is set to True.

Warning

Whilst it can be tempting to use a lazy stack to keep the orignal parameter references, remember that lazy stack perform a stack each time get() is called. This will require memory (N times the size of the parameters, more if a graph is built) and time to be computed. It also means that the optimizer(s) will contain more parameters, and operations like step() or zero_grad() will take longer to be executed. In general, lazy_stack should be reserved to very few use cases.

expand_identical (bool, optional): if True and the same parameter (same

identity) is being stacked to itself, an expanded version of this parameter will be returned instead. This argument is ignored when lazy_stack=True.

Examples:
>>> from torch import nn
>>> from tensordict import TensorDict
>>> torch.manual_seed(0)
>>> empty_module = nn.Linear(3, 4, device="meta")
>>> n_models = 2
>>> modules = [nn.Linear(3, 4) for _ in range(n_models)]
>>> params = TensorDict.from_modules(*modules)
>>> print(params)
TensorDict(
    fields={
        bias: Parameter(shape=torch.Size([2, 4]), device=cpu, dtype=torch.float32, is_shared=False),
        weight: Parameter(shape=torch.Size([2, 4, 3]), device=cpu, dtype=torch.float32, is_shared=False)},
    batch_size=torch.Size([2]),
    device=None,
    is_shared=False)
>>> # example of batch execution
>>> def exec_module(params, x):
...     with params.to_module(empty_module):
...         return empty_module(x)
>>> x = torch.randn(3)
>>> y = torch.vmap(exec_module, (0, None))(params, x)
>>> assert y.shape == (n_models, 4)
>>> # since lazy_stack = False, backprop leaves the original params untouched
>>> y.sum().backward()
>>> assert params["weight"].grad.norm() > 0
>>> assert modules[0].weight.grad is None

With lazy_stack=True, things are slightly different:

>>> params = TensorDict.from_modules(*modules, lazy_stack=True)
>>> print(params)
LazyStackedTensorDict(
    fields={
        bias: Tensor(shape=torch.Size([2, 4]), device=cpu, dtype=torch.float32, is_shared=False),
        weight: Tensor(shape=torch.Size([2, 4, 3]), device=cpu, dtype=torch.float32, is_shared=False)},
    exclusive_fields={
    },
    batch_size=torch.Size([2]),
    device=None,
    is_shared=False,
    stack_dim=0)
>>> # example of batch execution
>>> y = torch.vmap(exec_module, (0, None))(params, x)
>>> assert y.shape == (n_models, 4)
>>> y.sum().backward()
>>> assert modules[0].weight.grad is not None
from_namedtuple(*, auto_batch_size: bool = False, batch_dims: int | None = None, device: device | None = None, batch_size: Size | None = None)

Converts a namedtuple to a TensorDict recursively.

Args:

named_tuple: The namedtuple instance to be converted.

Keyword Args:
auto_batch_size (bool, optional): if True, the batch size will be computed automatically.

Defaults to False.

batch_dims (int, optional): If auto_batch_size is True, defines how many dimensions the output

tensordict should have. Defaults to None (full batch-size at each level).

device (torch.device, optional): The device on which the TensorDict will be created.

Defaults to None.

batch_size (torch.Size, optional): The batch size of the TensorDict.

Defaults to None.

Returns:

A TensorDict representation of the input namedtuple.

Examples:
>>> from tensordict import TensorDict
>>> import torch
>>> data = TensorDict({
...     "a_tensor": torch.zeros((3)),
...     "nested": {"a_tensor": torch.zeros((3)), "a_string": "zero!"}}, [3])
>>> nt = data.to_namedtuple()
>>> print(nt)
GenericDict(a_tensor=tensor([0., 0., 0.]), nested=GenericDict(a_tensor=tensor([0., 0., 0.]), a_string='zero!'))
>>> TensorDict.from_namedtuple(nt, auto_batch_size=True)
TensorDict(
    fields={
        a_tensor: Tensor(shape=torch.Size([3]), device=cpu, dtype=torch.float32, is_shared=False),
        nested: TensorDict(
            fields={
                a_string: NonTensorData(data=zero!, batch_size=torch.Size([3]), device=None),
                a_tensor: Tensor(shape=torch.Size([3]), device=cpu, dtype=torch.float32, is_shared=False)},
            batch_size=torch.Size([3]),
            device=None,
            is_shared=False)},
    batch_size=torch.Size([3]),
    device=None,
    is_shared=False)
from_pandas(*, auto_batch_size: bool = False, batch_dims: int | None = None, device: device | None = None, batch_size: Size | None = None, separator: str | None = None, dtype: dtype | None = None) Any

Converts a pandas DataFrame to a TensorDict.

Numeric columns become tensors, string/object columns become NonTensorData.

Args:

dataframe (pd.DataFrame): The pandas DataFrame to convert.

Keyword Args:
auto_batch_size (bool, optional): If True, the batch size will

be computed automatically. Defaults to False.

batch_dims (int, optional): If auto_batch_size is True,

defines how many dimensions the output tensordict should have. Defaults to None.

device (torch.device, optional): The device for tensor data.

Defaults to None.

batch_size (torch.Size, optional): The batch size. Defaults to

[num_rows].

separator (str, optional): If provided, column names are split on

this separator to create nested TensorDicts. For example, with separator=".", a column "obs.x" becomes td["obs", "x"]. Defaults to None.

dtype (torch.dtype, optional): If provided, all numeric columns

are cast to this dtype. Defaults to None.

Returns:

A TensorDict representation of the DataFrame.

Examples:
>>> import pandas as pd
>>> df = pd.DataFrame({"a": [1, 2, 3], "b": [4.0, 5.0, 6.0]})
>>> td = TensorDict.from_pandas(df)
>>> print(td)
TensorDict(
    fields={
        a: Tensor(shape=torch.Size([3]), device=cpu, dtype=torch.int64, is_shared=False),
        b: Tensor(shape=torch.Size([3]), device=cpu, dtype=torch.float64, is_shared=False)},
    batch_size=torch.Size([3]),
    device=None,
    is_shared=False)
from_parquet(*, auto_batch_size: bool = False, batch_dims: int | None = None, device: device | None = None, batch_size: Size | None = None, separator: str | None = None, dtype: dtype | None = None, columns: list[str] | None = None, **kwargs) Any

Creates a TensorDict from a Parquet file.

Requires either pyarrow or pandas to be installed. Prefers pyarrow when available for better performance.

Args:

path (str or Path): Path to the Parquet file.

Keyword Args:
auto_batch_size (bool, optional): If True, the batch size will

be computed automatically. Defaults to False.

batch_dims (int, optional): If auto_batch_size is True,

defines how many dimensions the output tensordict should have. Defaults to None.

device (torch.device, optional): The device for tensor data.

Defaults to None.

batch_size (torch.Size, optional): The batch size. Defaults to

[num_rows].

separator (str, optional): If provided, column names are split on

this separator to create nested TensorDicts. Defaults to None.

dtype (torch.dtype, optional): If provided, all numeric columns

are cast to this dtype. Defaults to None.

columns (list of str, optional): If provided, only read these

columns from the file. Defaults to None (all columns).

**kwargs: Additional keyword arguments forwarded to the Parquet

reader.

Returns:

A TensorDict representation of the Parquet data.

Examples:
>>> td = TensorDict.from_parquet("data.parquet")
>>> td = TensorDict.from_parquet("data.parquet", columns=["obs", "reward"])
from_pytree(*, batch_size: Size | None = None, auto_batch_size: bool = False, batch_dims: int | None = None)

Converts a pytree to a TensorDict instance.

This method is designed to keep the pytree nested structure as much as possible.

Additional non-tensor keys are added to keep track of each level’s identity, providing a built-in pytree-to-tensordict bijective transform API.

Accepted classes currently include lists, tuples, named tuples and dict.

Note

For dictionaries, non-NestedKey keys are registered separately as NonTensorData instances.

Note

Tensor-castable types (such as int, float or np.ndarray) will be converted to torch.Tensor instances. Note that this transformation is surjective: transforming back the tensordict to a pytree will not recover the original types.

Examples:
>>> # Create a pytree with tensor leaves, and one "weird"-looking dict key
>>> class WeirdLookingClass:
...     pass
...
>>> weird_key = WeirdLookingClass()
>>> # Make a pytree with tuple, lists, dict and namedtuple
>>> pytree = (
...     [torch.randint(10, (3,)), torch.zeros(2)],
...     {
...         "tensor": torch.randn(
...             2,
...         ),
...         "td": TensorDict({"one": 1}),
...         weird_key: torch.randint(10, (2,)),
...         "list": [1, 2, 3],
...     },
...     {"named_tuple": TensorDict({"two": torch.ones(1) * 2}).to_namedtuple()},
... )
>>> # Build a TensorDict from that pytree
>>> td = TensorDict.from_pytree(pytree)
>>> # Recover the pytree
>>> pytree_recon = td.to_pytree()
>>> # Check that the leaves match
>>> def check(v1, v2):
>>>     assert (v1 == v2).all()
>>>
>>> torch.utils._pytree.tree_map(check, pytree, pytree_recon)
>>> assert weird_key in pytree_recon[1]
from_remote_init(group: 'ProcessGroup' | None = None, device: torch.device | None = None, use_broadcast: bool = False) Self

Creates a new tensordict instance initialized from remotely sent metadata.

This class method receives consolidated metadata and a single storage buffer sent by init_remote(), then reconstructs the full tensordict.

Two transport modes are available (must match the sender’s choice):

  • Point-to-point (default): uses recv_object_list + dist.recv. Only sender and receiver participate.

  • Broadcast (use_broadcast=True): delegates to broadcast(). All ranks must participate.

Args:

src (int): The rank of the source process that sent the metadata. group (“ProcessGroup”, optional): The process group to use for communication. Defaults to None. device (torch.device, optional): The device to use for tensor operations. Defaults to None. use_broadcast (bool): If True, use broadcast() instead

of point-to-point recv. Must match the sender’s setting. Defaults to False.

Returns:

TensorDict: A new tensordict instance initialized with the received metadata and content.

See also

The sending process should have called ~.init_remote to send the metadata and content.

from_schema(*, batch_size: Sequence[int] | Size | None = None, storage: str | None = None, device=None, **kwargs) TensorDictBase

Pre-allocate a zero-filled TensorDict from a schema.

Creates a TensorDictBase whose storage backend is selected by storage. Each entry in schema maps a field name to an (element_shape, dtype) pair; the full stored shape is [*batch_size, *element_shape].

Args:
schema: Mapping from field name to (element_shape, dtype).

element_shape is the per-element shape (excluding batch_size).

Keyword Args:
batch_size: Overall batch dimensions prepended to every element

shape. Defaults to ().

storage (str or None): Backend selector:

  • None – plain TensorDict with regular tensors.

  • "memmap" – memory-mapped tensors on disk. Pass prefix=<dir> in kwargs.

  • "h5" – HDF5 via PersistentTensorDict. Pass filename=<path> in kwargs.

  • "shared" – CPU shared-memory tensors.

  • "redis" / "dragonfly" – delegates to TensorDictStore.from_schema().

device: Device for the resulting tensors (ignored by some

backends).

**kwargs: Backend-specific arguments forwarded to the

underlying constructor (e.g. prefix for memmap, filename for h5, host/port for redis).

Returns:

A new TensorDictBase subclass instance with pre-allocated (zero-filled) keys.

Examples:
>>> td = TensorDict.from_schema(
...     {"obs": ([84, 84, 3], torch.uint8),
...      "reward": ([], torch.float32)},
...     batch_size=[1000],
... )
>>> td["obs"].shape
torch.Size([1000, 84, 84, 3])
>>> import tempfile
>>> with tempfile.TemporaryDirectory() as d:
...     td_mm = TensorDict.from_schema(
...         {"obs": ([4], torch.float32)},
...         batch_size=[8],
...         storage="memmap",
...         prefix=d,
...     )
...     assert td_mm.is_memmap()
from_struct_array(*, auto_batch_size: bool = False, batch_dims: int | None = None, device: device | None = None, batch_size: Size | None = None) Any

Converts a structured numpy array to a TensorDict.

The resulting TensorDict will share the same memory content as the numpy array (it is a zero-copy operation). Changing values of the structured numpy array in-place will affect the content of the TensorDict.

Note

This method performs a zero-copy operation, meaning that the resulting TensorDict will share the same memory content as the input numpy array. Therefore, changing values of the numpy array in-place will affect the content of the TensorDict.

Args:

struct_array (np.ndarray): The structured numpy array to be converted.

Keyword Args:

auto_batch_size (bool, optional): If True, the batch size will be computed automatically. Defaults to False. batch_dims (int, optional): If auto_batch_size is True, defines how many dimensions the output

tensordict should have. Defaults to None (full batch-size at each level).

device (torch.device, optional): The device on which the TensorDict will be created.

Defaults to None.

Note

Changing the device (i.e., specifying any device other than None or "cpu") will transfer the data, resulting in a change to the memory location of the returned data.

batch_size (torch.Size, optional): The batch size of the TensorDict. Defaults to None.

Returns:

A TensorDict representation of the input structured numpy array.

Examples:
>>> x = np.array(
...     [("Rex", 9, 81.0), ("Fido", 3, 27.0)],
...     dtype=[("name", "U10"), ("age", "i4"), ("weight", "f4")],
... )
>>> td = TensorDict.from_struct_array(x)
>>> x_recon = td.to_struct_array()
>>> assert (x_recon == x).all()
>>> assert x_recon.shape == x.shape
>>> # Try modifying x age field and check effect on td
>>> x["age"] += 1
>>> assert (td["age"] == np.array([10, 4])).all()
classmethod from_tensordict(tensordict: TensorDictBase, non_tensordict: dict | None = None, safe: bool = True) Any

Tensor class wrapper to instantiate a new tensor class object.

Args:

tensordict (TensorDictBase): Dictionary of tensor types non_tensordict (dict): Dictionary with non-tensor and nested tensor class objects safe (bool): Whether to raise an error if the tensordict is not a TensorDictBase instance

from_tuple(*, auto_batch_size: bool = False, batch_dims: int | None = None, device: device | None = None, batch_size: Size | None = None)

Converts a tuple to a TensorDict.

Args:

obj: The tuple instance to be converted.

Keyword Args:

auto_batch_size (bool, optional): If True, the batch size will be computed automatically. Defaults to False. batch_dims (int, optional): If auto_batch_size is True, defines how many dimensions the output tensordict

should have. Defaults to None (full batch-size at each level).

device (torch.device, optional): The device on which the TensorDict will be created. Defaults to None. batch_size (torch.Size, optional): The batch size of the TensorDict. Defaults to None.

Returns:

A TensorDict representation of the input tuple.

Examples:
>>> my_tuple = (1, 2, 3)
>>> td = TensorDict.from_tuple(my_tuple)
>>> print(td)
TensorDict(
    fields={
        0: Tensor(shape=torch.Size([]), device=cpu, dtype=torch.int64, is_shared=False),
        1: Tensor(shape=torch.Size([]), device=cpu, dtype=torch.int64, is_shared=False),
        2: Tensor(shape=torch.Size([]), device=cpu, dtype=torch.int64, is_shared=False)},
    batch_size=torch.Size([]),
    device=None,
    is_shared=False)
fromkeys(value: Any = 0)

Creates a tensordict from a list of keys and a single value.

Args:

keys (list of NestedKey): An iterable specifying the keys of the new dictionary. value (compatible type, optional): The value for all keys. Defaults to 0.

get(key: NestedKey, *args, **kwargs)

Gets the value stored with the input key.

Args:
key (str, tuple of str): key to be queried. If tuple of str it is

equivalent to chained calls of getattr.

default: default value if the key is not found in the tensorclass.

Returns:

value stored with the input key

lazy_stack(dim: int = 0, *, out=None, **kwargs)

Creates a lazy stack of tensordicts.

See lazy_stack() for details.

load(*args, **kwargs) Any

Loads a tensordict from disk.

This class method is a proxy to load_memmap().

load_(prefix: str | Path, *args, **kwargs)

Loads a tensordict from disk within the current tensordict.

This class method is a proxy to load_memmap_().

load_memmap(device: device | None = None, non_blocking: bool = False, *, out: TensorDictBase | None = None, robust_key: bool | None = True) Any

Loads a memory-mapped tensordict from disk.

Args:
prefix (str or Path to folder): the path to the folder where the

saved tensordict should be fetched.

device (torch.device or equivalent, optional): if provided, the

data will be asynchronously cast to that device. Supports “meta” device, in which case the data isn’t loaded but a set of empty “meta” tensors are created. This is useful to get a sense of the total model size and structure without actually opening any file.

non_blocking (bool, optional): if True, synchronize won’t be

called after loading tensors on device. Defaults to False.

out (TensorDictBase, optional): optional tensordict where the data

should be written.

robust_key (bool, optional): if True (default), expects robust key encoding was used

when saving and decodes filenames accordingly. If False, uses legacy behavior. If None, uses the default robust behavior.

Examples:
>>> from tensordict import TensorDict
>>> td = TensorDict.fromkeys(["a", "b", "c", ("nested", "e")], 0)
>>> td.memmap("./saved_td")
>>> td_load = TensorDict.load_memmap("./saved_td")
>>> assert (td == td_load).all()

This method also allows loading nested tensordicts.

Examples:
>>> nested = TensorDict.load_memmap("./saved_td/nested")
>>> assert nested["e"] == 0

A tensordict can also be loaded on “meta” device or, alternatively, as a fake tensor.

Examples:
>>> import tempfile
>>> td = TensorDict({"a": torch.zeros(()), "b": {"c": torch.zeros(())}})
>>> with tempfile.TemporaryDirectory() as path:
...     td.save(path)
...     td_load = TensorDict.load_memmap(path, device="meta")
...     print("meta:", td_load)
...     from torch._subclasses import FakeTensorMode
...     with FakeTensorMode():
...         td_load = TensorDict.load_memmap(path)
...         print("fake:", td_load)
meta: TensorDict(
    fields={
        a: Tensor(shape=torch.Size([]), device=meta, dtype=torch.float32, is_shared=False),
        b: TensorDict(
            fields={
                c: Tensor(shape=torch.Size([]), device=meta, dtype=torch.float32, is_shared=False)},
            batch_size=torch.Size([]),
            device=meta,
            is_shared=False)},
    batch_size=torch.Size([]),
    device=meta,
    is_shared=False)
fake: TensorDict(
    fields={
        a: FakeTensor(shape=torch.Size([]), device=cpu, dtype=torch.float32, is_shared=False),
        b: TensorDict(
            fields={
                c: FakeTensor(shape=torch.Size([]), device=cpu, dtype=torch.float32, is_shared=False)},
            batch_size=torch.Size([]),
            device=cpu,
            is_shared=False)},
    batch_size=torch.Size([]),
    device=cpu,
    is_shared=False)
load_state_dict(state_dict: dict[str, Any], strict=True, assign=False, from_flatten=None)

Loads a state_dict into the tensorclass.

Supports both the new format (logical keys with _metadata) and the legacy format (_tensordict/_non_tensordict wrapper keys).

maybe_dense_stack(dim: int = 0, *, out=None, **kwargs)

Attempts to make a dense stack of tensordicts, and falls back on lazy stack when required..

See maybe_dense_stack() for details.

memmap(prefix: str | None = None, copy_existing: bool = False, *, num_threads: int = 0, return_early: bool = False, share_non_tensor: bool = False, existsok: bool = True, robust_key: bool | None = True) Any

Writes all tensors onto a corresponding memory-mapped Tensor in a new tensordict.

Args:
prefix (str): directory prefix where the memory-mapped tensors will

be stored. The directory tree structure will mimic the tensordict’s.

copy_existing (bool): If False (default), an exception will be raised if an

entry in the tensordict is already a tensor stored on disk with an associated file, but is not saved in the correct location according to prefix. If True, any existing Tensor will be copied to the new location.

Keyword Args:
num_threads (int, optional): the number of threads used to write the memmap

tensors. Defaults to 0.

return_early (bool, optional): if True and num_threads>0,

the method will return a future of the tensordict.

share_non_tensor (bool, optional): if True, the non-tensor data will be

shared between the processes and writing operation (such as inplace update or set) on any of the workers within a single node will update the value on all other workers. If the number of non_tensor leaves is high (e.g., sharing large stacks of non-tensor data) this may result in OOM or similar errors. Defaults to False.

existsok (bool, optional): if False, an exception will be raised if a tensor already

exists in the same path. Defaults to True.

robust_key (bool, optional): if True (default), uses robust key encoding that safely

handles keys with path separators and special characters. If False, uses legacy behavior (keys used as-is). If None, uses the default robust behavior.

The TensorDict is then locked, meaning that any writing operations that isn’t in-place will throw an exception (eg, rename, set or remove an entry). Once the tensordict is unlocked, the memory-mapped attribute is turned to False, because cross-process identity is not guaranteed anymore.

Returns:

A new tensordict with the tensors stored on disk if return_early=False, otherwise a TensorDictFuture instance.

Note:

Serialising in this fashion might be slow with deeply nested tensordicts, so it is not recommended to call this method inside a training loop.

memmap_(prefix: str | None = None, copy_existing: bool = False, *, num_threads: int = 0, return_early: bool = False, share_non_tensor: bool = False, existsok: bool = True, robust_key: bool | None = True) Any

Writes all tensors onto a corresponding memory-mapped Tensor, in-place.

Args:
prefix (str): directory prefix where the memory-mapped tensors will

be stored. The directory tree structure will mimic the tensordict’s.

copy_existing (bool): If False (default), an exception will be raised if an

entry in the tensordict is already a tensor stored on disk with an associated file, but is not saved in the correct location according to prefix. If True, any existing Tensor will be copied to the new location.

Keyword Args:
num_threads (int, optional): the number of threads used to write the memmap

tensors. Defaults to 0.

return_early (bool, optional): if True and num_threads>0,

the method will return a future of the tensordict. The resulting tensordict can be queried using future.result().

share_non_tensor (bool, optional): if True, the non-tensor data will be

shared between the processes and writing operation (such as inplace update or set) on any of the workers within a single node will update the value on all other workers. If the number of non-tensor leaves is high (e.g., sharing large stacks of non-tensor data) this may result in OOM or similar errors. Defaults to False.

existsok (bool, optional): if False, an exception will be raised if a tensor already

exists in the same path. Defaults to True.

robust_key (bool, optional): if True (default), uses robust key encoding that safely

handles keys with path separators and special characters. If False, uses legacy behavior (keys used as-is). If None, uses the default robust behavior.

The TensorDict is then locked, meaning that any writing operations that isn’t in-place will throw an exception (eg, rename, set or remove an entry). Once the tensordict is unlocked, the memory-mapped attribute is turned to False, because cross-process identity is not guaranteed anymore.

Returns:

self if return_early=False, otherwise a TensorDictFuture instance.

Note:

Serialising in this fashion might be slow with deeply nested tensordicts, so it is not recommended to call this method inside a training loop.

memmap_like(prefix: str | None = None, copy_existing: bool = False, *, existsok: bool = True, num_threads: int = 0, return_early: bool = False, share_non_tensor: bool = False, robust_key: bool | None = True) Any

Creates a contentless Memory-mapped tensordict with the same shapes as the original one.

Args:
prefix (str): directory prefix where the memory-mapped tensors will

be stored. The directory tree structure will mimic the tensordict’s.

copy_existing (bool): If False (default), an exception will be raised if an

entry in the tensordict is already a tensor stored on disk with an associated file, but is not saved in the correct location according to prefix. If True, any existing Tensor will be copied to the new location.

Keyword Args:
num_threads (int, optional): the number of threads used to write the memmap

tensors. Defaults to 0.

return_early (bool, optional): if True and num_threads>0,

the method will return a future of the tensordict.

share_non_tensor (bool, optional): if True, the non-tensor data will be

shared between the processes and writing operation (such as inplace update or set) on any of the workers within a single node will update the value on all other workers. If the number of non-tensor leaves is high (e.g., sharing large stacks of non-tensor data) this may result in OOM or similar errors. Defaults to False.

existsok (bool, optional): if False, an exception will be raised if a tensor already

exists in the same path. Defaults to True.

robust_key (bool, optional): if True (default), uses robust key encoding that safely

handles keys with path separators and special characters. If False, uses legacy behavior (keys used as-is). If None, uses the default robust behavior.

The TensorDict is then locked, meaning that any writing operations that isn’t in-place will throw an exception (eg, rename, set or remove an entry). Once the tensordict is unlocked, the memory-mapped attribute is turned to False, because cross-process identity is not guaranteed anymore.

Returns:

A new TensorDict instance with data stored as memory-mapped tensors if return_early=False, otherwise a TensorDictFuture instance.

Note

This is the recommended method to write a set of large buffers on disk, as memmap_() will copy the information, which can be slow for large content.

Examples:
>>> td = TensorDict({
...     "a": torch.zeros((3, 64, 64), dtype=torch.uint8),
...     "b": torch.zeros(1, dtype=torch.int64),
... }, batch_size=[]).expand(1_000_000)  # expand does not allocate new memory
>>> buffer = td.memmap_like("/path/to/dataset")
memmap_refresh_()

Refreshes the content of the memory-mapped tensordict if it has a saved_path.

This method will raise an exception if no path is associated with it.

save(prefix: str | None = None, copy_existing: bool = False, *, num_threads: int = 0, return_early: bool = False, share_non_tensor: bool = False, robust_key: bool | None = True) Any

Saves the tensordict to disk.

This function is a proxy to memmap().

select(*keys, inplace: bool = False, strict: bool = True, as_tensordict: bool = False)

TensorClass-specific select that supports as_tensordict.

set(key: NestedKey, value: Any, inplace: bool = False, non_blocking: bool = False)

Sets a new key-value pair.

Args:
key (str, tuple of str): name of the key to be set.

If tuple of str it is equivalent to chained calls of getattr followed by a final setattr.

value (Any): value to be stored in the tensorclass inplace (bool, optional): if True, set will tentatively try to

update the value in-place. If False or if the key isn’t present, the value will be simply written at its destination.

Returns:

self

stack(dim: int = 0, *, out=None)

Stacks tensordicts into a single tensordict along the given dimension.

This call is equivalent to calling torch.stack() but is compatible with torch.compile.

state_dict(destination=None, prefix='', keep_vars=False, flatten=True) dict[str, Any]

Returns a state_dict with logical keys, matching TensorDictBase conventions.

Tensor fields appear as data keys. Non-tensor fields (strings, ints, etc.) and the tensorclass type are stored in _metadata. This replaces the legacy _tensordict/_non_tensordict wrapper format.

to_tensordict(*, retain_none: bool | None = None) TensorDict

Convert the tensorclass into a regular TensorDict.

Makes a copy of all entries. Memmap and shared memory tensors are converted to regular tensors.

Args:
retain_none (bool): if True, the None values will be written in the

tensordict. Otherwise they will be discrarded. Default: True.

Returns:

A new TensorDict object containing the same values as the tensorclass.

unbind(dim: int)

Returns a tuple of indexed tensorclass instances unbound along the indicated dimension.

Resulting tensorclass instances will share the storage of the initial tensorclass instance.

class agilerl.components.data.ReplayDataset(buffer: ReplayBuffer, batch_size: int = 256)

Iterable Dataset containing the ReplayBuffer which will be updated with new experiences during training.

Parameters: