Why to use serialization in Java?

Serialization is a mechanism used when there is a need to persist object state by converting it into a byte stream. During runtime, all objects of an application reside in memory (heap memory), and when the application terminates, the memory is released by the operating system, resulting in the loss of all runtime data.

To address such scenarios, Serialization comes into play, allowing the application to store objects on disk, enabling retrieval of the saved state upon subsequent program execution. Serialization becomes essential when providing functionality for saving or sharing previous application states.

Serialization for Object Communication

Serialization is a crucial process when there is a need to transmit objects over a network. In scenarios where two machines running identical code require communication, one machine can construct an object containing the desired information and serialize it to send it to the other machine. Although serialization may not be the most optimal communication method, it serves the purpose effectively, allowing objects to be exchanged between machines.

Cross JVM Synchronization

Serialization is a powerful mechanism in Java that facilitates the transfer of object data across various Java Virtual Machines (JVMs), even if they are executing on different hardware architectures. Regardless of the underlying system architecture, such as x86, ARM, or others, serialization ensures the compatibility and integrity of the serialized objects during the communication process.

This means that objects can be serialized on one JVM and deserialized on another, enabling seamless data exchange and interoperability between disparate environments. Serialization's ability to bridge the gap between different JVMs and hardware architectures enhances the flexibility and portability of Java applications, enabling them to function reliably in diverse computing environments.

Conclusion

Serialization is used in Java to enable the saving, transmission, and sharing of object state across different machines or persistent storage, ensuring data integrity and facilitating interoperability between systems.