Object serialization is the process of converting an object into a format that can be easily stored or transmitted. This format can be a byte stream, JSON, or XML, allowing the object to be saved to a file or sent over a network. Serialization is essential for data persistence and communication between different systems. When an object is serialized, its state and properties are captured, enabling it to be reconstructed later. This process is commonly used in programming languages like Java and Python, where objects can be serialized and deserialized to facilitate data exchange and storage in applications.