Question

What is pickling in Python?

• A. It is used to deserialize objects, i.e., converting the byte stream to object hierarchy.
• B. It is used to serialize objects, i.e., to convert Python object hierarchy to byte stream.
• C. It is used to move the file pointer to a specific location.
• D. It is used in exception handling.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

In Python, pickling is a process utilized to serialize objects. Serialization involves converting a Python object hierarchy into a byte stream, allowing it to be easily saved to a file or transmitted over a network. The `pickle` module in Python provides the necessary functions to perform pickling and unpickling operations:

• Serialization (Pickling): This process transforms a Python object into a byte stream. This is achieved using the `pickle.dump()` function or `pickle.dumps()` method for file and string representations, respectively. It facilitates the object's storage and transmission.
• Deserialization (Unpickling): This is the reverse operation, wherein the byte stream is converted back into the original Python object. This is done using functions like `pickle.load()` or `pickle.loads()`.

Function	Description
pickle.dump(obj, file)	Serializes `obj` and writes it to a file object `file`.
pickle.dumps(obj)	Serializes `obj` to a byte stream.
pickle.load(file)	Deserializes a byte stream from a file object `file` back into a Python object.
pickle.loads(bytes_obj)	Deserializes `bytes_obj` back into a Python object.

The primary use-case of pickling is to persist Python objects in files or send them over a network while maintaining their state and structure, enabling efficient data storage and retrieval or inter-process communication.

Thus, the correct answer is: It is used to serialize objects, i.e., to convert Python object hierarchy to byte stream.

Answer 2

Pickling is used to serialize objects, converting Python object hierarchy to byte stream.

Additional Context:

Serialization Process :

• Converts objects to byte stream for storage/transmission
• Preserves object state and structure
• Uses Python's pickle module

Key Features:

• Handles complex Python objects (lists, dicts, classes)
• Binary format (not human-readable)
• Platform-independent

Correct Answer: (2) It is used to serialize objects, i.e., to convert Python object hierarchy to byte stream.