What is JSON serialization?
💡 Concept: JSON Serialization
JSON serialization is the process of converting a C# object into a JSON string, which can be easily transmitted or stored.
📘 Quick Intro
It is widely used for data exchange in web services and APIs, leveraging libraries like System.Text.Json or Newtonsoft.Json.
🧠 Analogy
Think of JSON serialization as translating a book into a universal language understood by different systems.
🔧 Technical Explanation
- 📦 Converts objects to JSON text format.
- 🔄 Allows easy communication between different systems.
- ⚙️ Supports complex data structures like lists and nested objects.
- 🧩 Libraries include System.Text.Json (built-in) and Newtonsoft.Json (popular third-party).
- 🔐 Supports customization via attributes and converters.
🎯 Use Cases
- ✅ Data transfer between client and server.
- ✅ Storing configuration or state in JSON files.
- ✅ Interoperability in microservices architectures.
- ✅ Logging and debugging serialized data.
💻 Code Example
using System.Text.Json;
public class Product {
public string Name { get; set; }
public decimal Price { get; set; }
}
var product = new Product { Name = ""Laptop"", Price = 999.99M };
// Serialize to JSON string
string jsonString = JsonSerializer.Serialize(product);
// Deserialize from JSON string
Product product2 = JsonSerializer.Deserialize<Product>(jsonString);
❓ Interview Q&A
Q1: What is JSON serialization?
A: Converting objects to JSON text format.
Q2: Which libraries support JSON serialization?
A: System.Text.Json and Newtonsoft.Json.
Q3: Can JSON serialize complex objects?
A: Yes, including collections and nested types.
Q4: Is JSON human-readable?
A: Yes.
Q5: What is deserialization?
A: Reconstructing objects from JSON strings.
Q6: Can you customize serialization?
A: Yes, with attributes and converters.
Q7: Is JSON serialization fast?
A: It is efficient and suitable for most apps.
Q8: What is JSON Schema?
A: A way to define JSON structure for validation.
Q9: Can JSON serialization handle nulls?
A: Yes, null values are supported.
Q10: Does JSON support comments?
A: No, JSON does not support comments.
📝 MCQs
Q1. What is JSON serialization?
- Converting objects to JSON text
- Binary format
- XML format
- Encrypted data
Q2. Which libraries support JSON serialization?
- System.Text.Json and Newtonsoft.Json
- System.IO
- System.Net
- System.Data
Q3. Can JSON serialize complex objects?
- No
- Yes
- Sometimes
- Never
Q4. Is JSON human-readable?
- Yes
- No
- Sometimes
- Never
Q5. What is deserialization?
- Destroying objects
- Reconstructing objects from JSON
- Parsing XML
- Logging errors
Q6. Can you customize serialization?
- No
- Yes
- Sometimes
- Never
Q7. Is JSON serialization fast?
- No
- Yes
- Sometimes
- Always
Q8. What is JSON Schema?
- Defines JSON structure
- Defines XML schema
- Defines database schema
- None
Q9. Can JSON handle nulls?
- Yes
- No
- Sometimes
- Never
Q10. Does JSON support comments?
- Yes
- No
- Sometimes
- Always
💡 Bonus Insight
JSON serialization is a cornerstone of modern web development and API communication.
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