java - What's the difference between DataOutputStream and ObjectOutputStream?

Question

I'm learning about socket programming in Java. I've seen client/server app examples with some using DataOutputStream, and some using ObjectOutputStream.

What's the difference between the two?

Is there a performance difference?

Answer 1

DataInput/OutputStream performs generally better because its much simpler. It can only read/write primtive types and Strings.

ObjectInput/OutputStream can read/write any object type was well as primitives. It is less efficient but much easier to use if you want to send complex data.

I would assume that the Object*Stream is the best choice until you know that its performance is an issue.