title: What exactly is an "object" of serialization?
body: <p><code>object</code> in this context is not 'the goal' or 'intent'.</p>
  
  <p>Serialization was quoted and I am interested in better understanding the use of the word <code>object</code>:</p>
  
  <blockquote>
    <p>Serialization is the process of converting an <strong>object</strong> into a stream of bytes to store the object or transmit it to memory, a database, or a file. Its main purpose is to save the state of an object in order to be able to recreate it when needed. The reverse process is called deserialization.</p>
    
    <p>...</p>
    
    <p>This illustration shows the overall process of serialization</p>
    
    <p><a href="https://i.stack.imgur.com/Q28YV.png" rel="nofollow noreferrer"><img src="https://i.stack.imgur.com/Q28YV.png" alt="Overall process of serialization"></a></p>
    
    <p>...</p>
    
    <p>Through serialization, a developer can perform actions like sending the object to a remote application by means of a Web Service, passing an object from one domain to another, passing an object through a firewall as an XML string, or maintaining security or user-specific information across applications</p>
  </blockquote>
  
  <p>Is <code>object</code> (in the above context) to include (but not necessarily limited to) any real-world phenomena that one like to model?   For example:</p>
  
  <p>As a concrete example is object of this narrative is a Broadway patron? or is it a revenue seat?</p>
  
  <blockquote>
    <p>A fictional Broadway show has 3 shows every Saturday. Tickets are
    valid for a particular show and enumerated seat. The process of
    encoding the <code>showtime</code> and serially enumerated <code>seat number</code> defines
    a <strong>unique</strong> ticket.   Ticket are encoded with a barcode comprising
    said data to measure attendance.</p>
  </blockquote>
  
  <h1>Additional copied concrete example: Explanation via Picture:</h1>
  
  <p><a href="https://i.stack.imgur.com/vLjcq.png" rel="nofollow noreferrer"><img src="https://i.stack.imgur.com/vLjcq.png" alt="Rex, my dog, is serialised!"></a></p>
  
  <h2>Explanation by Analogy:</h2>
  
  <p>Suppose I'm talking to my buddy on the phone and I'm telling him about my new puppy.</p>
  
  <p>Here's my problem: the puppy is a living, breathing mammal. How am I meant to convey a puppy over the phone line? I can't physically put my puppy into my phone receiver.</p>
  
  <p>So instead, I'll have to convey a representation of the puppy over the phone. In other words, I then serialize my dog Rex, and I send him the serialized version of Rex over the phone line: </p>
  
  <p><code>{ "name":"Rex", "age":5, "favourite_food": pedigree_choice_cuts, "favourite_game": fetch_ball, "favourite_hobby": wagging_tail }</code></p>
  
  <p>It's a perfect representation - a serialization of my dog.</p>
  
  <h3>Summary:</h3>
  
  <p>Serialization basically means transforming my dog Rex into something else - a JSON object - which can then be transported over the phone line as a series of 1s and 0s. My buddy in NYC can then translate those 1s and 0s back into a JSON object - so that he has a perfect representation of my dog Rex. Simple!</p>