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Serialization in Java is a crucial concept for developers aiming to preserve the state of objects. This process allows objects to be flattened (serialized) and re-inflated (deserialized), enabling their storage and retrieval across different environments or application runs.
What is Serialization?
At its core, serialization is the process of converting an object’s state into a byte stream. This flattened representation can then be stored or transmitted and later reconstructed through deserialization.
Objects in Java are not just data holders; they encapsulate both state (instance variables) and behavior (methods defined in the class). Serialization focuses on preserving the state of an object, making it particularly useful in scenarios like saving game states, transferring objects across networks, or persisting data.
The Need for Serialization
Imagine you’re developing a game that requires a Save/Restore feature. Players need the ability to save the state of their characters and environments, then resume gameplay seamlessly. Serialization simplifies this process by allowing developers to freeze an object’s state and later restore it without intricate manual intervention.
How Serialization Works
Objects on the Heap
Objects on the heap have distinct states defined by their instance variables. These variables…
