Which technology utilizes the concept of data serialization for handling data?

The utilization of data serialization is particularly prominent in the context of web APIs. Data serialization refers to the process of converting data structures into a format that can be easily stored or transmitted and subsequently reconstructed. Web APIs often rely on serialization formats like JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) or XML (eXtensible Markup Language) to facilitate communication between clients and servers.

When a web API sends data to a client, it serializes the data into a lightweight format that can be easily interpreted by the client application, such as a web browser or mobile app. The process allows for efficient data exchange over the internet, enabling various applications to interact seamlessly.

Other options, while they may involve handling data in various forms, do not primarily focus on the concept of data serialization to the same extent. Databases, for instance, manage data storage and retrieval but usually do not deal with serialization as their core function. Web browser plugins can interact with web content but do not inherently rely on serialization as a primary mechanism. Operating systems manage hardware and software resources but also do not focus on data serialization in the same way that web APIs do.

Thus, web APIs are distinctively associated with data serialization, making them the correct answer in this context.