The best replacement for serialization is externalization.

The best alternatives to serialization are rated as following:
★★★★★  externalization
★★★  marshalling java
★★  encoding
★★  marshalling
★★  marshalling c#
★  datacontract
  externalizable

Your alternative for serialization is not listed? Suggest!
Speaking about serialization, one probably shouldn't forget about wcf.

Other search terms related to serialization and their ratings are:
★★★★★ wcf
You have in mind a companion for serialization and it is not yet here? Propose!



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serialization
externalization
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