Java Serialization

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What Is Serialization?

Java serialization transforms an object into a byte stream which allows it to be saved or transferred.

 

  • Saved to a file
  • Sent over a network
  • Stored in memory or a database

 

Deserialization works in the opposite direction by turning a byte stream into its original object structure.

java-serialization

Why Use Serialization?

  • Save the object state to a file or database.
  • You can move objects across different JVMs and across network systems.
  • Use cache objects within messaging systems such as RMI and sockets.

Enabling Serialization

Implement Serializable Interface

 import java.io.Serializable;

public class Student implements Serializable {
    int id;
    String name;

    public Student(int id, String name) {
        this.id = id;
        this.name = name;
    }
}
notepad

Serializable is a marker interface — no methods to implement.

Serialize the Object

import java.io.*;

public class SerializeDemo {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        Student s1 = new Student(101, "Anand");

        try (ObjectOutputStream oos = new ObjectOutputStream(new FileOutputStream("student.ser"))) {
            oos.writeObject(s1);
            System.out.println("Object serialized.");
        } catch (IOException e) {
            e.printStackTrace();
        }
    }
}

Deserialize the Object

import java.io.*;

public class DeserializeDemo {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        try (ObjectInputStream ois = new ObjectInputStream(new FileInputStream("student.ser"))) {
            Student s = (Student) ois.readObject();
            System.out.println("Deserialized Student: " + s.id + ", " + s.name);
        } catch (IOException | ClassNotFoundException e) {
            e.printStackTrace();
        }
    }
}
Feature Description
Interface java.io.Serializable
Type Marker Interface
Super Interface None
Methods None
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