Serialize Object to String in Java
In Java, we can serialize an object to String in different ways such as converting to byte[] and thenBase64 encoded string, XML or JSON. Learn with examples.
Java provides a mechanism, called object serialization where an object can be represented as a sequence of bytes that includes the object’s data as well as information about the object’s type and the types of data stored in the object.
After a serialized object has been written into a file, it can be read from the file and deserialized that is, the type information and bytes that represent the object and its data can be used to recreate the object in memory.
Most impressive is that the entire process is JVM independent, meaning an object can be serialized on one platform and deserialized on an entirely different platform.
Notice that for a class to be serialized successfully, two conditions must be met:
The class must implement the java.io.Serializable or java.io.Externalizable interface.
All of the fields in the class must be serializable. If a field is not serializable, it must be marked transient.
Objects to be stored and retrieved frequently refer to other objects. Those other objects must be stored and retrieved at the same time to maintain the relationships between the objects. When an object is stored, all of the objects that are reachable from that object are stored as well.
Now browse below tutorials to gain more insights about java serialization.
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Tutorials
Java Custom Serialization using readObject() and writeObject()
We may need custom serialization in java in many cases. For example, we have legacy java classes that we are not willing to modify for any reason. There can be some design constraints as well. Or even simply, the class is expected to be changed in future releases which could …
Serialize Java Object to XML using XMLEncoder
In this example, we will learn to serialize the java objects into XML files and then de-serialize them back to the original java objects.
Difference between Externalizable and Serializable in Java
Knowing the difference between Externalizable vs Serializable is important in two aspects, one – if could be asked as an interview question, two – you can use the knowledge to make better informed decision for performance improvement for applying serialization into your application.
Java Externalizable Example – More Efficient Serialization
You can achieve more efficient serialization by implementing Externalizable interface and overriding it’s methods writeExternal() and readExternal().
How does Deserialization happen in Java?
Deserialization in Java is the process by which the object previously serialized is reconstructed back into its original form i.e. object instance.
Guide to Java SerialVersionUID
Java SerialVersionUID example. Learn to create generate serialVersionUID for classes to be serialized. Learn to change serialversionuid correctly.
Java Deep Copy using In-memory Serialization
We all know that the easiest way of deep cloning (with some performance overhead) or deep copy is serialization. Java serialization involves serializing the object into bytes and from bytes to the object again. We suggest using in-memory deep cloning whenever it is the only need and we don’t need …
Java Serialization – Compatible and Incompatible Changes
Java Serialization – Dos and don’ts for correct serialization and deserialization. Learn to use serialVersionUID, readObject and writeObject with example.