Difference Between Serializable and Parcelable in Android

Android is a mobile operating system developed by Google and it is used by millions of people all over the world. Android is open-source software and is widely popular for its user-friendly interface and flexibility. The Android platform supports two different ways of transferring data between activities, namely serializable and parcelable. Both of these methods are used to store and transfer data across activities, but they have some notable differences.

What is Serializable in Android?

Serializable is a Java interface that enables an object to be serialized, meaning that it can be converted into a byte stream and stored in a file or transmitted over a network. This is a simple method of saving objects to a file or sending them over a network. When an object is serialized, it is converted into a byte stream that is easily readable by the receiving end. The receiving end can then convert the byte stream back into an object. Serialization is a quick and efficient way of transferring data across activities.

What is Parcelable in Android?

Parcelable is an Android-specific interface that enables an object to be passed as a parameter from one activity to another. This is a more efficient method compared to serialization, as it doesn’t require the object to be converted into a byte stream. When an object is passed using parcelable, it is passed directly from one activity to another. Parcelable also has the advantage of being able to pass a large amount of data in a single call, making it more efficient than serialization.

Difference Table