title: What is PHP's serialize() function for?
body: <p>I just learned about the <code>serialize()</code> and<code>unserialize()</code> functions. What are some uses for this?  I know people serialize things to put into a database. Could you give me some example uses where it is helpful?</p>
  
  <p>I also see serialized code in javascript, is this the same? Can a serialized string in javascript can be unserialized with php <code>unserialize()</code>?</p>