XmlSerializer ignores attributes

Question

XmlSerializer ignores class attributes. I'm writing simple serializer, and I used [Serializable] and [NonSerialized] attributes, also I tried to use [XmlRoot] and [XmlIgnore]. And I've noticed, although the field has the attribute [NonSerialized] it is serialized.

And it also ignores other attributes such as [XmAtribute]. Then I've noticed that it's even not necessary to use any attributes, and I can serialize class without these attributes, how can I ignore some fields?

My class:

[Serializable]
public class Route
{
    int busNumber;
    string busType, destination;
    DateTime departure, arrival;
    [NonSerialized]DateTime creationDate;
    ...
}

And I'm trying to serialize List<Route>

private void saveToolStripMenuItem_Click(object sender, EventArgs e)
{
    Stream stream = File.OpenWrite(Environment.CurrentDirectory + "\\routes.xml");
    XmlSerializer xmlSer = new XmlSerializer(typeof(List<Route>));
    xmlSer.Serialize(stream, ((FileForm)ActiveMdiChild).routes);
    stream.Close();
}

Answer 1

I believe that you are looking for the XmlIgnoreAttribute. Also, properties that need to be serialized must be declared as public.

Usage as follows:

public class Route
{
    public int busNumber;
    public string busType, destination;
    public DateTime departure, arrival;
    [XmlIgnore]
    public DateTime creationDate;

    // how to ignore a property
    private int ignored;
    [XmlIgnore]
    public int Ignored { get { return ignored; } set { ignored = value; } }
}

Answer 2

Try overriding the Serializer:

// Return an XmlSerializer used for overriding.
   public XmlSerializer CreateOverrider()
   {
      // Create the XmlAttributeOverrides and XmlAttributes objects.
      XmlAttributeOverrides xOver = new XmlAttributeOverrides();
      XmlAttributes attrs = new XmlAttributes();

      /* Setting XmlIgnore to false overrides the XmlIgnoreAttribute
         applied to the Comment field. Thus it will be serialized.*/
      attrs.XmlIgnore = false;
      xOver.Add(typeof(Group), "Comment", attrs);

      /* Use the XmlIgnore to instruct the XmlSerializer to ignore
         the GroupName instead. */
      attrs = new XmlAttributes();
      attrs.XmlIgnore = true;
      xOver.Add(typeof(Group), "GroupName", attrs);

      XmlSerializer xSer = new XmlSerializer(typeof(Group), xOver);
      return xSer;
   }

   public void SerializeObject(string filename)
   {
      // Create an XmlSerializer instance.
      XmlSerializer xSer = CreateOverrider();

      // Create the object to serialize and set its properties.
      Group myGroup = new Group();
      myGroup.GroupName = ".NET";
      myGroup.Comment = "My Comment...";

      // Writing the file requires a TextWriter.
      TextWriter writer = new StreamWriter(filename);

      // Serialize the object and close the TextWriter.
      xSer.Serialize(writer, myGroup);
      writer.Close();
   }

https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/system.xml.serialization.xmlattributes.xmlignore.aspx

Answer 3

You are using a wrong attribute. Since you are using a XmlSerializer, you should use the XML specific attributes. Check this link

https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/en-en/library/system.xml.serialization.xmlattributes.xmlignore(v=vs.110).aspx