<% set_title("Using the", product_name, "IDataSerializable Interface") %>

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The .NET `IDataSerializable` interface provides fast and compact data serialization.

<%=vars.product_name%> .NET Data serialization consumes fewer bytes in overhead than  <%=vars.product_name%> .NET PDX serialization,
but incurs higher performance costs of deserialization when performing queries.

-   **[How Serialization Works with IDataSerializable](how-igfserializable-works.html)**

    When your application puts an object into the cache for distribution, <%=vars.product_name%> serializes the data by taking these steps.

-   **[Implement the IDataSerializable Interface](implementing-igfserializable.html)**

    To store your own data types in the cache, you implement the <%=vars.product_name%> `IDataSerializable` interface.

-   **[Register the Type](registering-the-type.html)**

    To use the `BankAccount` type, you must register it with the type system. Then, when an incoming stream contains a `BankAccount`, it can be manufactured from the associated `TypeFactoryMethod.`

-   **[Using a Custom Class With IDataSerializable](custom-class-igfserializable.html)**

    An example shows how to use the BankAccount custom key type and the AccountHistory value type that were previously defined.