serialize() returns a string
containing a byte-stream representation of value that can be stored
anywhere.
This is useful for storing or passing PHP values around
without losing their type and structure.
To make the serialized string into a PHP value again,
use
unserialize(). serialize()
handles all types, except the
resource-type. You can even
serialize() arrays that contain references to itself.
References inside the array/object you are serialize()ing will also be stored.
When serializing objects, PHP will attempt to call the
member function __sleep() prior to
serialization. This is to allow the object to do any last
minute clean-up, etc. prior to being serialized. Likewise,
when the object is restored using
unserialize() the __wakeup()
member function is called.
注: In PHP 3, object properties will be serialized, but methods are lost. PHP 4 removes that limitation and restores both properties and methods. Please see the Serializing Objects section of Classes and Objects for more information.
See Also: unserialize().