title: what is a data serialization system?
body: <p>according to Apache AVRO project, "Avro is a serialization system". By saying data serialization system, does it mean that avro is a product or api?</p>
  
  <p>also, I am not quit sure about what a data serialization system is? for now, my understanding is that it is a protocol that defines how data object is passed over the network. Can anyone help explain it in an intuitive way that it is easier for people with limited distributed computing background to understand?</p>
  
  <p>Thanks in advance!</p>