# serialization

CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/serialization
Updated: 2026-07-22

## Definition

the process of turning data or a story into a sequence that can be stored or sent one piece after another. In computing, it lets you save complex information as a simple stream of bits.

For teachers: the process of converting a data structure or object state into a format that can be stored or transmitted and reconstructed later. In a literary context, it refers to the publication of a work in sequential installments.

## Examples

- The software uses serialization to save your game progress to a file.
- Before sending the user profile over the network, the application performs serialization to convert the object into a JSON string.
- Efficient serialization is critical for high-performance distributed systems, as it minimizes the latency involved in translating memory objects into byte streams for network transport.

## Usage notes

- Uncountable when referring to the general process; countable when referring to a specific instance of serializing a work.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.