I have no experience with boost serialization, but I have used protocol buffers. I like protocol buffers a lot. Keep the following in mind (I say this with no knowledge of boost).
- Protocol buffers are very efficient so I don't imagine that being a serious issue vs. boost.
- Protocol buffers provide an intermediate representation that works with other languages (Python and Java... and more in the works). If you know you're only using C++, maybe boost is better, but the option to use other languages is nice.
- Protocol buffers are more like data containers... there is no object oriented nature, such as inheritance. Think about the structure of what you want to serialize.
- Protocol buffers are flexible because you can add "optional" fields. This basically means you can change the structure of protocol buffer without breaking compatibility.
Hope this helps.
