The Architecture of a Servlet
A servlet is a Java-based component that extends the functionality of a server. It follows a specific architecture that allows it to handle client requests and generate responses.
At the core of a servlet architecture is the Servlet API, which provides a set of classes and interfaces for servlet development. The API includes the Servlet interface, which all servlets must implement. Servlets are typically deployed on a web server, such as Apache Tomcat.
When a client sends a request to the server, the server passes the request to the appropriate servlet based on the URL mapping defined in the web.xml file or using annotations. The servlet then processes the request and generates a response, which is sent back to the client.
Servlets can perform various tasks, such as retrieving data from a database, processing form submissions, or generating dynamic content. They can also interact with other Java components, such as JavaBeans or Enterprise JavaBeans (EJBs).
Serialization and Deserialization
Serialization is the process of converting an object into a byte stream, which can be easily stored or transmitted. It allows objects to be saved to disk or sent over a network. In Java, serialization is achieved by implementing the Serializable interface.
Deserialization is the reverse process of serialization. It involves reconstructing the object from the byte stream. By deserializing an object, you can retrieve its state and use it in your program.
Serialization and deserialization are commonly used in scenarios where objects need to be persisted or transmitted between different systems. For example, you can serialize an object to store it in a file or send it over a network as part of a remote method invocation (RMI) process.
Garbage Collection and Memory Management
In Java, garbage collection is a process that automatically manages memory allocation and deallocation. It prevents a Java application from going out of memory by reclaiming memory occupied by objects that are no longer in use.
The garbage collector identifies objects that are no longer reachable by the application and frees up the memory they occupy. It does this by periodically scanning the heap, which is the area of memory where objects are allocated.
When an object is no longer reachable, it becomes eligible for garbage collection. The garbage collector then releases the memory occupied by the object, making it available for future allocations.
Java’s garbage collection mechanism is automatic and transparent to the developer. It eliminates the need for manual memory management, such as explicitly deallocating objects or tracking memory usage.
By preventing memory leaks and efficiently managing memory, garbage collection ensures that a Java application can continue running without running out of memory.
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