**Serializer**: Converts objects to bytes for shuffle, persistence, broadcast. Default: Java (slow). Kryo: `spark.serializer=org.apache.spark.serializer.KryoSerializer`.
**Why Kryo**: 10x faster, smaller payload. Less network and memory.
**Trade-off**: Register custom classes for Kryo efficiency: `spark.kryo.classesToRegister`. Unregistered = slower.
**Scalability Trade-offs**: Kryo reduces shuffle size; faster jobs....
The complete answer continues with detailed implementation patterns, architectural trade-offs, and production-grade considerations. It covers performance optimization strategies, common pitfalls to avoid, and real-world examples from companies like Globant. The answer also includes follow-up discussion points that interviewers commonly explore.
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