What is the role of “serialVersionUID” in Java class and its role in serialization?
I am working on a team project where multiple developers are collaborating on the class of Java programming language meant for serialization. One of our team members asked for “serialVersionUID” field in Java classes. Explain to me the concept of “serialversionUID” and its role in the process of serialization.
In the context of Java programming language, the serial version UID in Java is a unique identifier that is used during the process of object serialization and deserialization to ensure compatibility between different versions of a class. Therefore, it acts as a “stat final long” field which again acts like a mechanism of version control.
Here is the example given to showcase the explanation:-
Import java.io.*;
// Example class implementing Serializable
Class MyClass implements Serializable {
Private static final long serialVersionUID = 1L;
// Other class members…
}The role and importance of serialVersionUID are the following
Version control
This particular function helps in control of the version class. When an object I serialized by using this particular function the “serialVersionUID” is also written on the stream. On the other hand during the process of deserialization, the JVM checks the “serialVersionUID” of the object which has been serialized.
Maintaining comparability
This particular function also helps in the management of compatibility.