Java RMI - marshaling

[slimmshady]

Hi there,

I'm trying to run RMI and have done so with a few demo codes. However, I don't clearly understand the concept of marshaling - i would appreciate if someone could define the process of marshaling in simple terms so i can grasp it.

Thanks in advance!

 

[palbano]

The term marshalling refers to generating a block or stream of data according to a predetermined format. Code that knows the format rules can write/read the date even if the programming language is different.

In Java marshalling can be accomplished using the java.io.Serializable interface which sets up the concept of formatting the data of a class instance (object). This data can be transmitted on the wire between processes or even persisted into a data store.

The sender writes the objects data and the receiver reads the data. After reading the data the receiver can generate their own instance of the object in their process.

No idea if that helps. You might have more luck using Google than listening to me ramble.


-pete

 

[slimmshady]

Great. Thats exactly what i was after. Thanks very much Pete!