Serialization Formats
Serialization formats are standardized methods for converting data structures or objects into a format that can be stored, transmitted, and reconstructed later. They enable data exchange between different systems, languages, or processes by encoding information into a byte stream, text, or binary representation. Common examples include JSON, XML, and Protocol Buffers, each with specific characteristics for performance, readability, and compatibility.
Developers should learn serialization formats to facilitate data interchange in distributed systems, APIs, databases, and file storage, ensuring interoperability across platforms. They are essential for scenarios like web development (using JSON for REST APIs), microservices communication (with binary formats like Protocol Buffers for efficiency), and configuration management (using YAML or XML). Understanding different formats helps optimize for factors such as speed, human-readability, and schema evolution.