Serializeerointi

Serializeerointi, often translated as serialization, is the process of converting an object's state into a format that can be stored or transmitted, and then reconstructed later. This means taking the data that defines an object, such as its values and structure, and transforming it into a sequence of bytes or characters. This sequence can then be saved to a file, sent across a network, or stored in a database. The reverse process, reconstructing the object from this data, is called deserialization.

The primary purpose of serialization is to enable persistence and communication. For persistence, it allows applications to save the state of objects between sessions. For example, a game might serialize its current state to allow a player to resume later. In communication, it's crucial for sending objects between different processes or machines. Web services, for instance, often serialize data into formats like JSON or XML to exchange information between a server and a client.

Various serialization formats exist, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Common formats include JSON (JavaScript Object Notation), XML (Extensible Markup Language), Protocol Buffers, and MessagePack. The choice of format often depends on factors like efficiency, readability, and the programming languages involved. Some serialization methods are language-specific, while others are designed to be language-agnostic, promoting interoperability.