# 序列化

Serialization is the process of converting data used by an application to a format that can be transferred over a network, or stored in a database or a file. Deserialization is the opposite process of converting external data back into a runtime object. Together, they are essential to most applications that exchange data with third parties.

Some data serialization formats, such as [JSON](https://www.json.org/json-en.html) and [Protocol Buffers](https://protobuf.dev/), are particularly common. These formats are language-neutral and platform-neutral, so you can use them to exchange data between systems written in any modern language. Kotlin provides this functionality through the [kotlinx.serialization libraries](#kotlin-serialization-libraries), which support multiple platforms and data formats.

If you're new to serialization in Kotlin, we recommend starting with the [Get Started with Serialization](serialization-get-started.html) tutorial. It walks you through adding the Kotlin serialization library to your project and shows you how to serialize and deserialize your first class.

[Kotlin 序列化入门](serialization-get-started.html)

## Kotlin serialization libraries

Kotlin serialization offers support for all platforms, including JVM, JavaScript, and Native. You can use the same [dependency declaration](serialization-get-started.html#add-plugins-and-dependencies) regardless of the target platform.

Kotlin serialization supports various serialization formats, such as JSON, CBOR, and Protocol buffers through different serialization format libraries. These libraries build on the core `kotlinx.serialization` library. For the complete list of supported serialization formats, see [Supported serialization formats](#supported-serialization-formats).

All Kotlin serialization format libraries are part of the `org.jetbrains.kotlinx:` group, with names starting with `kotlinx-serialization-` and suffixes that reflect the serialization format. For example:

* `org.jetbrains.kotlinx:kotlinx-serialization-json` provides JSON serialization.

* `org.jetbrains.kotlinx:kotlinx-serialization-cbor` provides CBOR serialization.

The `kotlinx.serialization` libraries follow their own versioning, independent of Kotlin. You can find the latest release versions on [GitHub](https://github.com/Kotlin/kotlinx.serialization/releases).

> **Tip:**
> When you're not using a specific format library, for example, when you're writing your own serialization format, use the `kotlinx-serialization-core` library as the dependency.

## Supported serialization formats

`kotlinx.serialization` includes serialization format libraries for various formats:

| Format | Artifact ID | Platform | Status |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [JSON](https://www.json.org/json-en.html) | [kotlinx-serialization-json](https://github.com/Kotlin/kotlinx.serialization/blob/master/formats/README.md#json) | All supported platforms | Stable |
| [HOCON](https://github.com/lightbend/config/blob/master/HOCON.md) | [kotlinx-serialization-hocon](https://github.com/Kotlin/kotlinx.serialization/blob/master/formats/README.md#hocon) | JVM only | Experimental |
| [Protocol Buffers](https://protobuf.dev/) | [kotlinx-serialization-protobuf](https://github.com/Kotlin/kotlinx.serialization/blob/master/formats/README.md#protobuf) | All supported platforms | Experimental |
| [CBOR](https://cbor.io/) | [kotlinx-serialization-cbor](https://github.com/Kotlin/kotlinx.serialization/blob/master/formats/README.md#cbor) | All supported platforms | Experimental |
| [Properties](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/.properties) | [kotlinx-serialization-properties](https://github.com/Kotlin/kotlinx.serialization/blob/master/formats/README.md#properties) | All supported platforms | Experimental |

All serialization format libraries, except for the JSON serialization library (`kotlinx-serialization-json`), are [Experimental](components-stability.html). Their APIs might change at any time. For more details about JSON serialization, see [JSON serialization overview](serialization-configure-json-serialization.html).

There are also community-maintained libraries that support more serialization formats, such as [YAML](https://yaml.org/) or [Apache Avro](https://avro.apache.org/).

You can find out more about experimental serialization formats in [Alternative and custom formats](https://github.com/Kotlin/kotlinx.serialization/blob/master/docs/formats.md).

## Supported serialization types

Kotlin serialization supports a variety of built-in types, including all primitive types and most composite types from the Kotlin standard library like the `List` type. For more information, see [Serialize built-in types](serialization-serialize-builtin-types.html).

Additionally, classes annotated with `@Serializable` are fully supported for serialization, enabling the conversion of class instances to and from formats like JSON. For more information, see [Serialize classes](serialization-customization-options.html).

## What's next

* Learn the basics of Kotlin serialization in the [Get started with serialization tutorial](serialization-get-started.html).

* See how the Kotlin serialization library processes [primitives, collections, and other built-in types](serialization-serialize-builtin-types.html)

* Explore more complex JSON serialization scenarios in the [JSON serialization overview](serialization-configure-json-serialization.html).

* Dive into [Serialize classes](serialization-customization-options.html) to learn how to serialize classes and modify the default behavior of the `@Serializable` annotation.

* Learn how to obtain generated serializers, create custom serializers, and apply serializers in [Create and use serializers](serialization-create-and-use-serializers.html).

* See how to serialize different types through a shared base type in [Serialize polymorphic classes](serialization-polymorphism.html).

* Explore experimental serialization formats, including CBOR, ProtoBuf, and Properties, and learn how to create custom formats in [Alternative and custom formats](https://github.com/Kotlin/kotlinx.serialization/blob/master/docs/formats.md).