What is serialization?
💡 Concept: Serialization
Serialization is the process of converting an object into a format that can be stored or transmitted and later reconstructed.
📘 Quick Intro
Serialization allows data exchange and persistence by converting objects to formats like binary, XML, or JSON.
🧠 Analogy
Like converting a letter into a format for mailing and then decoding it back on delivery.
🔧 Technical Explanation
- Converts objects to byte streams or textual formats.
- Supports binary, XML, and JSON serialization.
- Enables data storage, caching, and network communication.
- Requires objects to be serializable (e.g., [Serializable] attribute).
- Deserialization reconstructs the object from the serialized format.
🎯 Use Cases
- ✅ Saving object state to files or databases.
- ✅ Transmitting data over web services.
- ✅ Caching complex objects.
- ✅ Inter-process communication.
💻 Code Example
// JSON serialization example
using System.Text.Json;
var person = new Person { Name = ""John"", Age = 30 };
string jsonString = JsonSerializer.Serialize(person);
var deserializedPerson = JsonSerializer.Deserialize<Person>(jsonString);
public class Person {
public string Name { get; set; }
public int Age { get; set; }
}
❓ Interview Q&A
Q1: What is serialization?
A: Converting objects to a storable or transmittable format.
Q2: Name types of serialization.
A: Binary, XML, JSON.
Q3: Why is serialization useful?
A: For persistence and communication.
Q4: What is deserialization?
A: Reconstructing objects from serialized data.
Q5: What attribute makes a class serializable?
A: [Serializable]
Q6: Can private fields be serialized?
A: Depends on serializer.
Q7: Is JSON serialization human-readable?
A: Yes.
Q8: What namespace contains JsonSerializer?
A: System.Text.Json.
Q9: What is a common use of serialization?
A: Web APIs.
Q10: Can serialization cause security risks?
A: Yes, if deserializing untrusted data.
📝 MCQs
Q1. What is serialization?
- Converting objects to data
- Writing logs
- Debugging
- Compiling code
Q2. Name a serialization type.
- JSON
- XML
- SQL
- HTML
Q3. Why use serialization?
- Performance
- Persistence and communication
- Security
- Testing
Q4. What is deserialization?
- Compiling
- Reconstructing objects
- Deleting data
- Encrypting data
Q5. Serializable attribute?
- [Serializable]
- [Obsolete]
- [DataContract]
- [IgnoreDataMember]
Q6. Can private fields be serialized?
- No
- Yes
- Depends on serializer
- Always
Q7. Is JSON human-readable?
- No
- Yes
- Sometimes
- Rarely
Q8. Namespace for JsonSerializer?
- System.IO
- System.Text.Json
- System.Net
- System.Xml
Q9. Common use of serialization?
- Web APIs
- Database
- UI
- Logging
Q10. Security risks of serialization?
- No
- Yes
- Maybe
- Never
💡 Bonus Insight
Serialization is critical for data storage and inter-system communication but requires careful security considerations.
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