noun

serialization

/ˌsɪəriəlaɪˈzeɪʃən/ · say it: SEER·ee·uh·luh·ZAY·shun

converting data into a format for storage or transfer

In Technology & Computing

In more detail

1. (noun) the process of converting data into a format that can be stored or transmitted, and later reconstructed

2. (noun) in law, the arrangement or division of something into a series of parts or installments

Examples

1. The serialization of the object into JSON format allows it to be sent over the network.
2. The serialization of the payment plan spread the cost over twelve monthly installments.

How to use serialization

Serialization is a technical term primarily used in computing and software development to describe converting complex data structures into a linear format for storage or transmission. In legal contexts, it refers to dividing obligations or assets into sequential parts or installments. The computing sense is much more common in contemporary usage.

Common phrases

data serialization
JSON serialization
serialization format
serialization process
object serialization
serialization error

Synonyms

marshalling · encoding · conversion · formatting

Opposites

deserialization · decoding

Word family

serialize (verb) · serialized (adjective) · serializer (noun)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes confuse serialization with serialization (converting to series format) and deserialization (the reverse process); note that serialization is the encoding step, not the decoding step.

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