Deserialization is the process of converting a data format, typically a byte stream or a string, back into a usable object or data structure in a programming environment. This is often used in the context of data storage or transmission, where complex data structures need to be saved to a file or sent over a network in a compact format. During deserialization, the data is read and reconstructed into its original form, allowing the program to access and manipulate it as needed. This process is the reverse of serialization, which is the conversion of an object into a format that can be easily stored or transmitted. Common formats for serialization and deserialization include JSON, XML, and binary formats.