Serialization is the process of taking an object and converting it to a format in which it can be transported across a network or persisted to a storage location. The storage location could be as simple as using a file or a database. The advantage of serialization is the ability to transmit data across the network in a cross-platform-compatible format.

There are three formats of serialization
• Binary Serialization
• SOAP Serialization
• XML Serialization

The format is controlled based upon what object is used to perform the serialization. The XML format is produced by using the System.Xml.Serialization.XmlSerializer class. The SOAP and binary formats are produced by using classes under the System.Runtime.Serialization.Formatters namespace.