Namespace: System.Runtime.Serialization

The System.Runtime.Serialization namespace contains classes that can be used for serializing and deserializing objects. Serialization is the process of converting an object or a graph of objects into a linear sequence of bytes for either storage or transmission to another location. Deserialization is the process of taking in stored information and recreating objects from it.

The ISerializable interface provides a way for classes to control their own serialization behavior. Classes in the System.Runtime.Serialization.Formatters namespace control the actual formatting of various data types encapsulated in the serialized objects.

Formatters that serialize and deserialize objects to and from a particular format can be found in the System.Runtime.Serialization.Formatters namespace.

Members of System.Runtime.Serialization Namespace

Classes

Class	Description
class Formatter	Provides base functionality for the common language runtime serialization formatters.
class FormatterConverter	Represents a base implementation of the IFormatterConverter interface that uses the Convert class and the IConvertible interface.
class FormatterServices	Provides static methods to aid with the implementation of a Formatter for serialization. This class cannot be inherited.
class ObjectIDGenerator	Generates IDs for objects.
class ObjectManager	Keeps track of objects as they are deserialized.
class SerializationBinder	Allows users to control class loading and mandate what class to load.
class SerializationException	The exception thrown when an error occurs during serialization or deserialization.
class SerializationInfo	Holds all the data needed to serialize or deserialize an object. This class cannot be inherited.
class SerializationInfoEnumerator	Provides a formatter-friendly mechanism for parsing the data in SerializationInfo. This class cannot be inherited.
class SurrogateSelector	Assists formatters in selection of the serialization surrogate to delegate the serialization or deserialization process to.

Interfaces

Interface	Description
interface IDeserializationCallback	Indicates that a class is to be notified when deserialization of the entire object graph has been completed.
interface IFormatter	Provides functionality for formatting serialized objects.
interface IFormatterConverter	Provides the connection between an instance of SerializationInfo and the formatter-provided class best suited to parse the data inside the SerializationInfo.
interface IObjectReference	Indicates that the current interface implementer is a reference to another object.
interface ISerializable	Allows an object to control its own serialization and deserialization.
interface ISerializationSurrogate	Implements a serialization surrogate selector that allows one object to perform serialization and deserialization of another.
interface ISurrogateSelector	Indicates a serialization surrogate selector class.

Structures

Structure	Description
structure SerializationEntry	Holds the value, Type, and name of a serialized object.
structure StreamingContext	Describes the source and destination of a given serialized stream, as well as a means for serialization to retain that context and an additional caller-defined context.