Serialisation
Converting a data object into a format that can be transmitted or stored. JSON serialisation converts a JavaScript object into a JSON string for transport over HTTP. Deserialisation converts it back. Every API integration serialises and deserialises data.
Expert insight
Serialization format mismatches (a date serialized as an ISO string by one system, expected as a Unix timestamp by another) are a common, quiet source of data corruption in integrations, the receiving system doesn't always error loudly on a wrong format, sometimes it just misinterprets the value silently.
In a real workflow
An object is serialised to JSON before being stored or sent to another service.
Common mistakes
- Losing types such as dates during serialisation.
- Double-encoded strings.
Complexity level
Requires some familiarity with automation concepts.
Related terms
JSON (JavaScript Object Notation)
The universal data format for APIs and webhooks. When Stripe sends a payment eve…
Data transformation
Modifying data as it flows through an automation reformatting dates, concatenati…
API (Application Programming Interface)
A set of rules that allow two software applications to communicate. Most automat…
See it in action
Want Serialisation built into your automation?
Book a free audit and we'll show you exactly how this applies to your business.
Get my free automation plan →Who we build for
Run a firm, an agency or an online store? We automate the work behind it.
Done-for-you n8n workflows and Claude AI agents, fixed price, maintained for you.
- Professional firms Onboarding, documents, billing and reporting run on their own. See what we automate →
- Agencies and SaaS teams Custom n8n and Claude builds, client reporting and internal tools. See what we automate →
- E-commerce brands Orders, support, returns and stock handled without the busywork. See what we automate →
More in Data
Keep exploring
SQL (Structured Query Language)
The language used to query and manipulate relational databases. In aut…
Sync (data)
Ensuring two or more systems contain consistent, up-to-date records. B…
Time zone handling
Correctly converting timestamps across time zones in automation workfl…
Transformation function
A piece of code that converts data from one format to another. Example…
Validation (input)
Checking that data meets required constraints before it enters a workf…
Annotation (data)
Adding labels or metadata to data records to make them more useful for…
Go deeper
Guides that cover Serialisation