What is Java Serialization ?
What is Java Serialization ?
- Serialization is a mechanism to convert an object into stream of bytes so that it can be written into a file, transported through a network or stored into database.
- De-serialization is just a vice versa. In simple words serialization is converting an object to stream of bytes and de-serialization is rebuilding the object from stream of bytes.
- Java Serialization API provides the features to perform serialization & de-serialization.
- A class must implement java.io.Serializable interface to be eligible for serialization.
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Advantages of Serialization
- It is easy to use and can be customized.
- Serialization is very easy to use and also a serialized stream supports secure Java computing as it can authenticate, encrypt and compress.
- It supports coherent versioning and also supports flexible to allow the gradual evolution of the program. It can also used to support exchange in libraries between Java and C++.
Disadvantages of Serialization
- The disadvantages being, it cannot be used with large sized objects.
- It offers overheads, this in whole delays the process of garbage collection as large objects contain large memory.