Resolving the Failed to deserialize object with given class loader Error in Apache Ignite

Learn how to fix the serialization error when using a custom transaction manager in Apache Ignite, ensuring smooth operation without any issues.
---

Visit these links for original content and any more details, such as alternate solutions, latest updates/developments on topic, comments, revision history etc. For example, the original title of the Question was: Apache Ignite throws Failed to deserialize object with given class loader on startup ( Client - Server )

If anything seems off to you, please feel free to write me at vlogize [AT] gmail [DOT] com.
---
Understanding the Serialization Issue in Apache Ignite

When working with Apache Ignite, developers may encounter various challenges, particularly if they are utilizing custom transaction managers. One common issue is the error message: "Failed to deserialize object with given class loader on startup". This typically occurs when the Ignite client attempts to deserialize a transaction manager that is incompatible with the serialization process. In this guide, we will delve into the underlying problems, why they arise, and how to effectively resolve them.

The Problem: Deserialization Error

The deserialization error hints at a significant problem when the transaction manager instance is not serializable. In simpler terms, your program is looking to pass objects over the network but encounters issues due to the inability to serialize certain classes. This specific situation arises from the code provided by the user Yulian Oifa, highlighting the nature of the problem:

The transaction manager is instantiated and passed directly into the TransactionManagerFactory.

When Ignite attempts to delegate to this factory, it struggles with deserializing the transaction manager that is not marked as serializable.

Key Takeaways

Ensure that any object passed across Ignite nodes is compatible with Java serialization.

The Solution: Adjusting the TransactionManagerFactory

To resolve the serialization error, follow these structured steps to modify your implementation of the TransactionManagerFactory and its usage in Ignite.

Step 1: Avoid Holding Reference to Non-Serializable Objects

Avoid holding on to the transaction manager instance directly in your factory class. Instead of passing the instance as shown, create it directly during the create() method:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Step 2: Adjust Transaction Configuration

Next, make sure your configuration is correctly set up to use the factory without explicit serialization of the transaction manager. Your updated configuration should look like this:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Step 3: Review Serializable Fields

If there are fields within your transaction manager or other classes that must be serialized, ensure they themselves implement the Serializable interface. Each non-transient field of a class marked as serializable also needs to be serializable, so take care to check your class definitions thoroughly.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you should be able to effectively resolve the deserialization errors when using Apache Ignite with a custom transaction manager. Remember, the primary issue lies in managing the serialization contracts between your client and server. Proper updates to your factory and ensuring compliance with Java's serialization rules can help you establish a seamless transaction management experience within Apache Ignite.

Implement these strategies, and you will see fewer startup issues and can focus on making the most out of Apache Ignite's powerful capabilities. Happy coding!