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Jackson Vs. Gson

java
performance
best-practices
tools
Nikita BarsukovbyNikita Barsukov·Feb 25, 2025
TLDR

When speed and advanced processing are on the line, opt for Jackson. Here's how you can deserialize JSON at lightning speed:

// Who knew we could read this fast, eh? new ObjectMapper().readValue(jsonString, MyClass.class);

For those times when you value code readability and simplicity, Gson stands out. Here's a simple example:

// Gson... Not as fast... but clean and smooth. new Gson().fromJson(jsonString, MyClass.class);

In summary, deploy the muscle of Jackson for your heavy lifting and trust in Gson when simplicity takes the stage.

Performance and Feature Comparison

The decision to use either Jackson or Gson often comes down to performance, usability, and the breadth and depth of features.

Speed Things Up: Performance

Jackson races ahead with its superior performance, thanks to its streaming API and optimal use of system resources. It's thus a fine choice for scenarios with high load and large JSON datasets. Jackson consistently outperforms Gson when the quick handling of JSON is critical.

Tools In Your Belt: Feature Set and Integration

Gson was designed for ease of use and a simplified API for common tasks. It's an ideal pick if your goal is to quickly integrate with existing code structures.

However, Jackson brings a more comprehensive set of features to the table. It supports type erasure, parameterized types, and smoothly functions with JacksonJsonView as part of Spring 3 applications.

The Power Of Community: Evolution and Support

The activity on GitHub reveals a project's potential for regular updates, bug fixes, and support. Between Jackson and Gson, our buddy Jackson leads the pack with its vibrant community and commitment to improvements.

Use Case Analysis

Choosing between Jackson and Gson isn't a one-size-fits-all process! Let's match a few specific situations to the appropriate library.

Binary Content or JAX-RS?

Projects handling binary content or mingling with JAX-RS should lean on Jackson for support. Jackson provides an extensive range of modules for various formats such as XML and CSV.

Polymorphic Deserialization or Case Insensitivity?

Jackson unravels complex situations involving polymorphic deserialization and case insensitive keys with aplomb. Gson demands extra footwork for the same.

JAXB Support?

Look no further than Jackson if you need JAXB annotations for RESTful web services in enterprise applications. Gson doesn't suit the JAXB fit.

Pro-Tips and Gotchas

Here are a few golden nuggets that can tip the balance in your Jackson vs Gson dilemma.

All About Annotations

Both libraries lean on annotations to streamline serialization code. Jackson offers a multitude of these signposts for fine control, while Gson prefers a convention-over-configuration approach for simplicity.

Customization and Flexibility

While Jackson's module system and Gson's TypeAdapters and InstanceCreators lend themselves to customization, you must review your project distinctives to see which library's modus operandi aligns better.

Stream Your JSON!

Do you need to process massive JSON documents? Both Jackson and Gson offer a low-level streaming API, but make sure to compare their latest releases and match these to your performance expectations.

Visualization

Let's line up Jackson and Gson on a feature showdown!

| Feature Comparison | Jackson (🚅) | Gson (🚗) | | ----------------- | ------------ | --------- | | Speed | 🚀 Rocketing | 🏎️ Zippy | | Feature Set | 🗃️ Fully Stocked | 🗄️ Just Basics | | Customization | 🔧 Ready-set | 🔨 Doable | | Community | 🏙️ Buzzing City | 🏘️ Quiet Suburb | | Memory Footprint | 🏭 Industrial size | 🏠 Homey |

Jackson (🚅) has the power of a freight train, loaded with features and packed with power. Gson (🚗), on the other hand, is like your trusty family car— dependable, easy to handle, and perfect for everyday drives.