Deserialize

Deserialization is the process of reconstructing data structures or objects from a serialized representation. Serialization converts in-memory objects into a sequence of bytes or text suitable for storage or transmission; deserialization performs the inverse operation, rebuilding the original objects with their types and state when the data is read back. Deserializers parse the serialized form—such as JSON, XML, YAML, Protocol Buffers, or binary formats—and instantiate program objects, assign properties, and re-create object graphs, potentially including references and shared identities. The process may require type information or schemas to guide reconstruction, and in typed languages may enforce constructors or factory methods.

Serialization formats vary in verbosity, hierarchy, and fidelity. JSON and XML are human-readable and widely supported; binary formats like Protocol Buffers or MessagePack are compact and fast but less transparent. Deserialization is commonly used in APIs, data persistence, inter-process communication, caching, and remote procedure calls.

Security and reliability considerations are central. Deserializing untrusted data can lead to attacks such as code execution or object injection, especially in languages that allow arbitrary reconstruction of types. Mitigations include validating input against schemas, using safe serializers, restricting or whitelisting allowed types, avoiding direct execution of deserialized data, and separating data from code. Best practices emphasize strict schemas, version-tolerant object definitions, and the use of immutable data transfer objects where possible.