Serialize a builder

Serialize() converts a programmatically composed builder into Expressif source. This is useful for displaying, logging, storing, or exchanging the rule in the language’s portable text form.

flowchart LR
    A[C# builder] -->|Serialize| B[Expressif source]
    B --> C[Store or inspect]
    B --> D[Parse in another process]

Serialize an expression builder

var builder = new ExpressionBuilder()
    .Chain<Lower>()
    .Chain<FirstChars>(5)
    .Chain<PadRight>(7, '*');

var source = builder.Serialize();
Assert.That(source, Is.EqualTo(
    "lower | first-chars(5) | pad-right(7, *)"
));

Serialize a predication builder

var builder = new PredicationBuilder()
    .Create<StartsWith>("ola")
    .OrNot<EndsWith>("sla");

var source = builder.Serialize();
Assert.That(source, Is.EqualTo(
    "{starts-with(ola) |OR !{ends-with(sla)}}"
));

The serializer includes the grouping required to preserve the builder’s Boolean structure.

Serialize before building

ExpressionBuilder.Build() consumes its queued pipeline. When both source and an executable expression are required, serialize first:

var builder = new ExpressionBuilder()
    .Chain<Lower>()
    .Chain<Length>();

var source = builder.Serialize();
var expression = builder.Build();

An empty builder cannot be serialized or built. PredicationBuilder does not consume its rule when built, but serializing first is still a clear and consistent lifecycle.

Serialization preserves the Expressif rule, not the surrounding runtime state. Values supplied by Context, delegates, services, or application configuration must be persisted separately if another process needs them.