Add configuration options for serialization

**Problem**
When working with core, the error messages could be more descriptive.

**Suggestion**
Improve error handling and add detailed error messages.

**Context**
This would help with debugging and maintenance.

The issue names no files, tests, or entry points. First clarify which serialization formats and configuration options are required, and identify the core error paths and expected messages; done should be defined by agreed behavior and tests for those cases.

Written by the indexing model from the issue text.