Serialization of file system item(s) and associated entity(ies)

Abstract

A system and method for serialization and/or de-serialization of file system item(s) and associated entity(ies)is provided. A file system “item” comprises a core class which can include property(ies). An item can be simple or compound (e.g., includes other item(s) embedded in it). Associated with an item can be entity(ies) such as fragment(s), link(s) with other item(s) and/or extension(s). Through serialization, a consistent copy of the item and associated entity(ies), if any, can be captured (e.g., for transporting of the item and to reconstruct the item on a destination system). The serialization system includes an identification component that. identities entity(ies) associated with an item and a serialization component that serializes the item and associated entity(ies). The serialization component can further serialize a header that includes information associated with the item and associated entity(ies). The header can facilitate random access to the item and associated entity(ies) (e.g., allowing a reader to interpret/parse only the parts in which it is interested). The serialization system can expose application program interface(s) (API's) that facilitate the copying, moving and/or transfer of an item and its associated entity(ies) from one location to another location.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.