---
title:  Implementing a PdxSerializable Custom Class
---

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Pdx serialization provides custom serialization to an individual class. Fields within an object can be serialized separately from the rest of the class.

The type of serialization and its implementation can be specified entirely in the client
application, with no need to create corresponding code on the <%=product_name%> server.

<a id="setup_pdxsbl_class"></a>
## Setup

Pdx serialization provides custom serialization to an individual class. Fields within an object can be serialized separately from the rest of the class.

Setting up a custom class for PdxSerializable treatment requires some preparatory steps:

- The custom class must inherit from the .NET IPdxSerializable interface.

- You must provide serialization instructions for objects of the custom class. Specifically:

  -  You must implement the `ToData()` and `FromData()` methods.
  -  You must provide a "factory method" that returns an instance of the custom object.

- Your application must register your custom class with the cache, which takes care of informing the server of your
  serialization scheme. With registration, you provide the name of the "factory method" you created for instantiating
  objects of the custom class.