Question

I’m using the DataContractSerializer to serialize an objects properties and fields marked with DataMember attributes to xml.

Now a have another use case for the same class, where I need to serialize other properties and other fields.

Are there a way to add “another DataMemberAttribute” that can be used for my other serialization scenario?

Answer 1

No, basically.

If you want to use the existing DataContractSerializer, you’ll have to maintain a second version of the DTO class and convert the data between them.

Options if you are writing your own serialization code:

• declare your own [DataMember]-style attribute(s) and interpret them at runtime in your own serialization code
• use a “buddy class”
• use external metadata (such as a file)
• use code-based configuration (i.e. via a DSL)

In reality, I expect the first will be the simplest choice.