Serialization - validation of Objects after upgrading class file

[Peter Firmstone <ji...@zeus.net.au>]

Does anyone have any thoughts or experiences on Object Validation, after 
Unmarshalling a serialization stream to a new class file version?

Traditionally, you can be significantly tied to your class's original 
implementation,  especially if you simply implement Serializable without 
due consideration, as you have to support unmarshalling to the earlier 
class file versions as well.  However in the new versioning framework, 
there are significant benefits to dropping support for unmarshalling to 
earlier class file formats, while maintaining the ability to unmarshall 
object state and data from all serialized Object instances.  The actual 
decision about when to drop the support should be up to the application 
programmer, however what would he want in place to support this ability?

Penny for your thoughts?

Peter.