Abstract: An architecture and method is provided that facilitates serialization of a graph of objects into streams of data in an arbitrary format, and deserialization of the streams of data back into the graph of objects. The architecture provides a number of services associated with the basic functionality of serialization and deserialization. The services can be employed to implement transparent remoting, copy items to a clipboard and save data to a file. The present invention provides facilities which support the plugging in of a new serialization encoding by separating the encoding from the reading and reinstantiation of the graph of objects which the encoding describes. Objects in a graph of objects are serialized and deserialized based on a selected rule set for that object. A rule set can be provided by a class author within a class or within a third party file referred to as a surrogate.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for facilitating employment of pluggable formatters by providing a variety of functions or services outside the formatter for handling various functions associated with conventional formatters. The services can be employed to provide the basic functionality associated with serializing and deserializing graphs of objects. The present invention provides facilities which support the plugging in or functionality of formatters in any given wire format for transferring across a connection or between processes.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for facilitating employment of pluggable formatters by providing a variety of functions or services outside the formatter for handling various functions associated with conventional formatters. The services can be employed to provide the basic functionality associated with serializing and deserializing graphs of objects. The present invention provides facilities which support the plugging in or functionality of formatters in any given wire format for transferring across a connection or between processes.

Abstract: An architecture and method is provided that facilitates serialization of a graph of objects into streams of data in an arbitrary format, and deserialization of the streams of data back into the graph of objects. The architecture provides a number of services associated with the basic functionality of serialization and deserialization. The services can be employed to implement transparent remoting, copy items to a clipboard and save data to a file. The present invention provides facilities which support the plugging in of a new serialization encoding by separating the encoding from the reading and reinstantiation of the graph of objects which the encoding describes. Objects in a graph of objects are serialized and deserialized based on a selected rule set for that object. A rule set can be provided by a class author within a class or within a third party file referred to as a surrogate.