writing junit test to cover cross version serialization

Question

does any of you have any info/idea on how can I test my application for cross version compatibility. I am testing these object's serialization in current "HEAD" version. but I need to wait for my integration testing to see if I broke anything cross version.

I am guessing I will need to store the objects serialized from last released version somewhere on my disk, I can imagine how this kind of system might work but I wonder if someone already did it.

Answer 1

Never did it, but I'd use the following approach:

• Have both versions of the class under test NOT in the normal classpath.
• Use a custom classloader to load one version
• serialize one or more instances into a String or to a file or whatever
• use another instance of a custom classloader, to load the other version.
• deserialize the stuff.
• assert all the required properties.