Compile Time Serialization

Compile time serialization is a programming technique where data structures are serialized (converted to a format like JSON, XML, or binary) during compilation rather than at runtime. It leverages compile-time code generation or metaprogramming to produce serialization logic, reducing runtime overhead and improving performance. This approach is commonly used in statically-typed languages to ensure type safety and eliminate reflection-based serialization costs.

Also known as: Compile-time serialization, Static serialization, Codegen serialization, CT Serialization, Compile-time code generation for serialization

Why learn Compile Time Serialization?

Developers should use compile time serialization when building high-performance applications, such as microservices, game engines, or data-intensive systems, where runtime serialization overhead is a bottleneck. It's particularly valuable in statically-typed languages like C++, Rust, or Kotlin, as it enables zero-cost abstractions, reduces memory usage, and catches serialization errors at compile time, enhancing reliability and speed.

Learning Resources

• docs: Boost.Hana Documentation - Compile-time Serialization
• docs: Serde in Rust - A Serialization Framework
• docs: Kotlinx.serialization Guide
• video: YouTube: Compile-Time Metaprogramming in C++
• tutorial: Article: Compile-Time Serialization in Modern C++