What are alternatives to Externalizable and how do they compare?

When it comes to serialization in Java, Externalizable is one of the options available to developers. However, there are several alternatives that can be utilized depending on the specific requirements of your application:

1. Serializable

The most common alternative is Serializable. It is a marker interface that allows automatic serialization of objects. Unlike Externalizable, it does not require implementing any methods, and Java automatically handles the serialization process.

2. JSON Serialization

Using libraries like Jackson or Gson, Java objects can be converted to JSON format and vice versa. This method is language-agnostic and supports interoperability with various systems.

3. Protocol Buffers

Google's Protocol Buffers provide a way to serialize structured data efficiently. It is a more compact binary format compared to Java's default serialization and is suitable for distributed systems.

4. XML Serialization

XML libraries can be used to convert Java objects into XML format. This is particularly beneficial for data interchange in systems where XML is the standard, though it is often more verbose than other formats.

In summary, while Externalizable provides control over the serialization process, alternatives like Serializable, JSON serialization, Protocol Buffers, and XML serialization offer various trade-offs regarding ease of use, performance, and interoperability.


serialization Externalizable Serializable JSON Protocol Buffers XML

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