Final answer:
The process used to write database rows of Sitecore to files on disk is typically referred to as serialization, converting them into XML or JSON format for backup or transfer purposes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The process used to write database rows of Sitecore to files on disk is typically achieved through a process called serialization. Serialization in the context of Sitecore involves converting the items from the database into a text format, usually XML or JSON, which can then be saved as files on disk. This operation can be performed manually through the Sitecore interface, using PowerShell scripts, or by utilizing Sitecore packages.
For example, the Sitecore serialization process is often a key part of disaster recovery plans, where it's crucial to have an off-database backup of the Sitecore content tree. Developers may also use serialization when they need to transfer items between different environments, such as from a local development environment to a testing environment, without accessing the production database directly.
It's important to note that performing such operations should be handled with care, as they can affect both the integrity of the data and the performance of the Sitecore instance if not done correctly.