When should you prefer JSON vs Java serialization considerations and when should you avoid it?

When deciding between JSON and Java serialization, several considerations come into play. JSON is a text-based format that is human-readable and language-agnostic. In contrast, Java serialization is a binary format that is specific to Java.

When to Prefer JSON

• Interoperability: JSON is widely used and supported across different programming languages.
• Human-readability: JSON files are easier to read and debug.
• RESTful APIs: JSON is the standard format for data exchange in web APIs.

When to Use Java Serialization

• Java-specific applications: If your application is entirely based on Java, serialization can be more efficient.
• Performance: Java serialization can be faster in certain scenarios, especially with large objects.

When to Avoid JSON

• Type preservation: JSON does not preserve object types and may lead to data loss (e.g., date types).
• Overhead: JSON can have larger payload sizes compared to binary formats.

When to Avoid Java Serialization

• Interoperability: Java objects serialized using Java serialization can only be deserialized in Java.
• Versioning issues: Changes in class structure can lead to compatibility issues.