How to Deserialize XML into a List Using XmlSerializer?

XmlSerializer and List Deserialization: A Practical Guide

The XmlSerializer class offers a straightforward method for deserializing XML data into various data types, including lists of custom objects. This guide demonstrates two approaches to achieve this.

Method 1: Utilizing a Wrapper Class

To deserialize XML into a List<User>, a wrapper class is necessary to serve as the root element within the XML structure. Consider the UserList class:

[XmlRoot("user_list")]
public class UserList
{
    public UserList() { Items = new List<User>(); }
    [XmlElement("user")]
    public List<User> Items { get; set; }
}

This class encapsulates a list of User objects. The [XmlRoot("user_list")] attribute designates "user_list" as the root element in the XML. The [XmlElement("user")] attribute maps each User object to a "user" element.

Next, define the User class:

public class User
{
    [XmlElement("id")]
    public Int32 Id { get; set; }

    [XmlElement("name")]
    public String Name { get; set; }
}

Finally, use XmlSerializer for deserialization:

XmlSerializer serializer = new XmlSerializer(typeof(UserList));
UserList userList = (UserList)serializer.Deserialize(streamOrStringReader);

Replace streamOrStringReader with your Stream or StringReader object containing the XML data.

Method 2: Direct Array Deserialization

Alternatively, you can embed the list directly within the User class, simplifying the process:

[XmlRoot("user_list")]
public class User
{
    public User[] Items { get; set; }
}

Deserialization then becomes:

XmlSerializer serializer = new XmlSerializer(typeof(User));
User userArray = (User)serializer.Deserialize(streamOrStringReader);

The Items property now holds an array of User objects.

Choosing the Right Method

The wrapper class approach (Method 1) provides greater flexibility, while the direct array method (Method 2) offers a more concise solution. The best choice depends on the specific structure of your XML data and personal preference.

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