FAQ
I didn't understand everything in this chapter, so maybe I am not cut out to be a programmer.
This chapter introduced many new classes, concepts, and methods. If your head is aching a little, that is to be expected. If some of the detail is unclear, don't let it hold you back. Proceed with the next couple of chapters (they are much more straightforward), then revisit this one and especially examine the completed code files.
So, how does serialization work in detail?
Serialization really is a vast topic. It is possible to write apps your whole life and never really need to understand it. It is the type of topic that would be the subject of a computer science degree. If you are curious to know more, have a look at this article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serialization.
What exactly does the data in the file look like when it has been written there?
The JSON data is in a text format and it is actually possible to view this file. You can use the Android Debug Bridge to "talk" to the emulator...
