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Home Interviews Serialization and Deserialization in Java – MindStick
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ICSM Computer
ICSM Computer 24 Apr 2025
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Let's explore Serialization and Deserialization in Java with simple explanations and examples.

What is Serialization?

Serialization is the process of converting a Java object into a sizing stream, so it can be:

  1. Saved to a file
  2. Transmitted over a network
  3. Stored in a database

This byte stream can later be deserialized back into the original object.

What is Deserialization?

Deserialization is the reverse process — converting the byte stream back into a Java object.

Steps to Serialize and Deserialize

  1. The class must implement the **Serializable** interface.
  2. Use **ObjectOutputStream** for serialization.
  3. Use **ObjectInputStream** for deserialization.

Example:

1. Create a Serializable Class

import java.io.Serializable;

public class Student implements Serializable {
    private String name;
    private int age;

    // Constructor
    public Student(String name, int age) {
        this.name = name;
        this.age = age;
    }

    // toString() for display
    public String toString() {
        return "Student{name='" + name + "', age=" + age + "}";
    }
}

2. Serialize the Object

import java.io.FileOutputStream;
import java.io.ObjectOutputStream;

public class SerializeExample {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        try {
            Student student = new Student("Alice", 22);

            FileOutputStream fileOut = new FileOutputStream("student.ser");
            ObjectOutputStream out = new ObjectOutputStream(fileOut);

            out.writeObject(student);
            out.close();
            fileOut.close();

            System.out.println("Object has been serialized.");
        } catch (Exception e) {
            e.printStackTrace();
        }
    }
}

3. Deserialize the Object

import java.io.FileInputStream;
import java.io.ObjectInputStream;

public class DeserializeExample {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        try {
            FileInputStream fileIn = new FileInputStream("student.ser");
            ObjectInputStream in = new ObjectInputStream(fileIn);

            Student student = (Student) in.readObject();
            in.close();
            fileIn.close();

            System.out.println("Deserialized Object: " + student);
        } catch (Exception e) {
            e.printStackTrace();
        }
    }
}

Important Notes:

Feature Details
transient Skip fields from serialization
serialVersionUID Recommended for version control of serializable classes
Must implement Serializable Otherwise, NotSerializableException will occur

Example with transient:

private transient String password; // will not be serialized
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