VB.NET || How To Serialize & Deserialize XML Using VB.NET

November 16, 2020 admin No comments

The following is a module with functions which demonstrates how to serialize and deserialize XML using VB.NET.

The following generic functions use System.Xml.Serialization to serialize and deserialize an object.

Note: Don’t forget to include the ‘Utils Namespace‘ before running the examples!

1. Serialize – Integer Array

The example below demonstrates the use of ‘Utils.Xml.Serialize‘ to serialize an integer array to xml.

The optional function parameter allows you to specify the System.Xml.Serialization.XmlRootAttribute.





		
		
			1. Serialize - Integer Array
			
Visual Basic .NET
			
			' Serialize - Integer Array

' Declare array of integers 
Dim numbers = New Integer() {1987, 19, 22, 2009, 2019, 1991, 28, 31}

' Optional: Create an XmlRootAttribute overloaded constructor and set its namespace.
Dim myXmlRootAttribute = New System.Xml.Serialization.XmlRootAttribute("OverriddenRootElementName") With {
    .Namespace = "http://www.microsoft.com"
}

' Serialize to XML
Dim numbersXml = Utils.Xml.Serialize(numbers)

' Display XML
Debug.Print(numbersXml)

' expected output:
'    <?xml version="1.0"?>
'    <ArrayOfInt xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" xmlns:xsd="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema">
'      <int>1987</int>
'      <int>19</int>
'      <int>22</int>
'      <int>2009</int>
'      <int>2019</int>
'      <int>1991</int>
'      <int>28</int>
'      <int>31</int>
'    </ArrayOfInt>
			
				
					
				
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						' Serialize - Integer Array
 
' Declare array of integers 
Dim numbers = New Integer() {1987, 19, 22, 2009, 2019, 1991, 28, 31}
 
' Optional: Create an XmlRootAttribute overloaded constructor and set its namespace.
Dim myXmlRootAttribute = New System.Xml.Serialization.XmlRootAttribute("OverriddenRootElementName") With {
    .Namespace = "http://www.microsoft.com"
}
 
' Serialize to XML
Dim numbersXml = Utils.Xml.Serialize(numbers)
 
' Display XML
Debug.Print(numbersXml)
 
' expected output:
'    <?xml version="1.0"?>
'    <ArrayOfInt xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" xmlns:xsd="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema">
'      <int>1987</int>
'      <int>19</int>
'      <int>22</int>
'      <int>2009</int>
'      <int>2019</int>
'      <int>1991</int>
'      <int>28</int>
'      <int>31</int>
'    </ArrayOfInt>

2. Serialize – String List

The example below demonstrates the use of ‘Utils.Xml.Serialize‘ to serialize a list of strings to xml.

The optional function parameter allows you to specify the System.Xml.Serialization.XmlRootAttribute.





		
		
			2. Serialize - String List
			
Visual Basic .NET
			
			' Serialize - String List

' Declare list of strings
Dim names = New List(Of String) From {
    "Kenneth",
    "Jennifer",
    "Lynn",
    "Sole"
}

' Serialize to XML
Dim namesXml = Utils.Xml.Serialize(names)

' Display XML
Debug.Print(namesXml)

' expected output:
'    <?xml version="1.0"?>
'    <ArrayOfString xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" xmlns:xsd="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema">
'     <string>Kenneth</string>
'     <string>Jennifer</string>
'     <string>Lynn</string>
'     <string>Sole</string>
'   </ArrayOfString>
			
				
					
				
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						' Serialize - String List
 
' Declare list of strings
Dim names = New List(Of String) From {
    "Kenneth",
    "Jennifer",
    "Lynn",
    "Sole"
}
 
' Serialize to XML
Dim namesXml = Utils.Xml.Serialize(names)
 
' Display XML
Debug.Print(namesXml)
 
' expected output:
'    <?xml version="1.0"?>
'    <ArrayOfString xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" xmlns:xsd="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema">
'     <string>Kenneth</string>
'     <string>Jennifer</string>
'     <string>Lynn</string>
'     <string>Sole</string>
'   </ArrayOfString>

3. Serialize – Custom Object List

The example below demonstrates the use of ‘Utils.Xml.Serialize‘ to serialize a list of custom objects to xml.

The optional function parameter allows you to specify the System.Xml.Serialization.XmlRootAttribute.





		
		
			3. Serialize - Custom Object List
			
Visual Basic .NET
			
			' Serialize - Custom Object List

<System.Xml.Serialization.XmlRoot(ElementName:="Inventory")> ' Optional
Public Class Inventory
    <System.Xml.Serialization.XmlArray(ElementName:="Parts")> ' Optional
    Public Property Parts As List(Of Part)
End Class

Public Class Part
    <System.Xml.Serialization.XmlElement(ElementName:="PartName")> ' Optional
    Public Property PartName As String
    <System.Xml.Serialization.XmlElement(ElementName:="PartId")> ' Optional
    Public Property PartId As Integer
End Class

' Declare list of objects
Dim inventory = New Inventory With {
    .Parts = New List(Of Part) From {
        New Part With {
         .PartName = "crank arm",
         .PartId = 1234
    },
        New Part With {
         .PartName = "chain ring",
         .PartId = 1334
    },
        New Part With {
         .PartName = "regular seat",
         .PartId = 1434
    },
        New Part With {
         .PartName = "banana seat",
         .PartId = 1444
    },
        New Part With {
         .PartName = "cassette",
         .PartId = 1534
    },
        New Part With {
         .PartName = "shift lever",
         .PartId = 1634
    }}
}

' Serialize to XML
Dim inventoryXml = Utils.Xml.Serialize(inventory)

' Display XML
Debug.Print(inventoryXml)

' expected output:
'    <?xml version="1.0"?>
'    <Inventory xmlns:xsd="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance">
'      <Parts>
'        <Part>
'          <PartName>crank arm</PartName>
'          <PartId>1234</PartId>
'        </Part>
'        <Part>
'          <PartName>chain ring</PartName>
'          <PartId>1334</PartId>
'        </Part>
'        <Part>
'          <PartName>regular seat</PartName>
'          <PartId>1434</PartId>
'        </Part>
'        <Part>
'          <PartName>banana seat</PartName>
'          <PartId>1444</PartId>
'        </Part>
'        <Part>
'          <PartName>cassette</PartName>
'          <PartId>1534</PartId>
'        </Part>
'        <Part>
'          <PartName>shift lever</PartName>
'          <PartId>1634</PartId>
'        </Part>
'      </Parts>
'    </Inventory>
			
				
					
				
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						' Serialize - Custom Object List
 
<System.Xml.Serialization.XmlRoot(ElementName:="Inventory")> ' Optional
Public Class Inventory
    <System.Xml.Serialization.XmlArray(ElementName:="Parts")> ' Optional
    Public Property Parts As List(Of Part)
End Class
 
Public Class Part
    <System.Xml.Serialization.XmlElement(ElementName:="PartName")> ' Optional
    Public Property PartName As String
    <System.Xml.Serialization.XmlElement(ElementName:="PartId")> ' Optional
    Public Property PartId As Integer
End Class
 
' Declare list of objects
Dim inventory = New Inventory With {
    .Parts = New List(Of Part) From {
        New Part With {
         .PartName = "crank arm",
         .PartId = 1234
    },
        New Part With {
         .PartName = "chain ring",
         .PartId = 1334
    },
        New Part With {
         .PartName = "regular seat",
         .PartId = 1434
    },
        New Part With {
         .PartName = "banana seat",
         .PartId = 1444
    },
        New Part With {
         .PartName = "cassette",
         .PartId = 1534
    },
        New Part With {
         .PartName = "shift lever",
         .PartId = 1634
    }}
}
 
' Serialize to XML
Dim inventoryXml = Utils.Xml.Serialize(inventory)
 
' Display XML
Debug.Print(inventoryXml)
 
' expected output:
'    <?xml version="1.0"?>
'    <Inventory xmlns:xsd="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance">
'      <Parts>
'        <Part>
'          <PartName>crank arm</PartName>
'          <PartId>1234</PartId>
'        </Part>
'        <Part>
'          <PartName>chain ring</PartName>
'          <PartId>1334</PartId>
'        </Part>
'        <Part>
'          <PartName>regular seat</PartName>
'          <PartId>1434</PartId>
'        </Part>
'        <Part>
'          <PartName>banana seat</PartName>
'          <PartId>1444</PartId>
'        </Part>
'        <Part>
'          <PartName>cassette</PartName>
'          <PartId>1534</PartId>
'        </Part>
'        <Part>
'          <PartName>shift lever</PartName>
'          <PartId>1634</PartId>
'        </Part>
'      </Parts>
'    </Inventory>

4. Deserialize – Integer Array

The example below demonstrates the use of ‘Utils.Xml.Deserialize‘ to deserialize xml to an integer array.

The optional function parameter allows you to specify the System.Xml.Serialization.XmlRootAttribute.





		
		
			4. Deserialize - Integer Array
			
Visual Basic .NET
			
			' Deserialize - Integer Array

' Declare Xml array of integers
Dim numbersXml = $"<?xml version=""1.0""?>
    <ArrayOfInt xmlns:xsi=""http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance"" xmlns:xsd=""http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema"">
      <int>1987</int>
      <int>19</int>
      <int>22</int>
      <int>2009</int>
      <int>2019</int>
      <int>1991</int>
      <int>28</int>
      <int>31</int>
    </ArrayOfInt>
"

' Optional: Create an XmlRootAttribute overloaded constructor and set its namespace.
Dim myXmlRootAttribute = New System.Xml.Serialization.XmlRootAttribute("OverriddenRootElementName") With {
    .Namespace = "http://www.microsoft.com"
}

' Deserialize from XML to specified type
Dim numbers = Utils.Xml.Deserialize(Of Integer())(numbersXml)

' Display the items
For Each item In numbers
    Debug.Print($"{item}")
Next

' expected output:
'    1987
'    19
'    22
'    2009
'    2019
'    1991
'    28
'    31
			
				
					
				
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						' Deserialize - Integer Array
 
' Declare Xml array of integers
Dim numbersXml = $"<?xml version=""1.0""?>
    <ArrayOfInt xmlns:xsi=""http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance"" xmlns:xsd=""http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema"">
      <int>1987</int>
      <int>19</int>
      <int>22</int>
      <int>2009</int>
      <int>2019</int>
      <int>1991</int>
      <int>28</int>
      <int>31</int>
    </ArrayOfInt>
"
 
' Optional: Create an XmlRootAttribute overloaded constructor and set its namespace.
Dim myXmlRootAttribute = New System.Xml.Serialization.XmlRootAttribute("OverriddenRootElementName") With {
    .Namespace = "http://www.microsoft.com"
}
 
' Deserialize from XML to specified type
Dim numbers = Utils.Xml.Deserialize(Of Integer())(numbersXml)
 
' Display the items
For Each item In numbers
    Debug.Print($"{item}")
Next
 
' expected output:
'    1987
'    19
'    22
'    2009
'    2019
'    1991
'    28
'    31

5. Deserialize – String List

The example below demonstrates the use of ‘Utils.Xml.Deserialize‘ to deserialize xml to a list of strings.

The optional function parameter allows you to specify the System.Xml.Serialization.XmlRootAttribute.





		
		
			5. Deserialize - String List
			
Visual Basic .NET
			
			' Deserialize - String List

' Declare Xml array of strings
Dim namesXml = $"<?xml version=""1.0""?>
    <ArrayOfString xmlns:xsi=""http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance"" xmlns:xsd=""http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema"">
      <string>Kenneth</string>
      <string>Jennifer</string>
      <string>Lynn</string>
      <string>Sole</string>
    </ArrayOfString>
"

' Deserialize from XML to specified type
Dim names = Utils.Xml.Deserialize(Of List(Of String))(namesXml)

' Display the items
For Each item In names
    Debug.Print($"{item}")
Next

' expected output:
'    Kenneth
'    Jennifer
'    Lynn
'    Sole
			
				
					
				
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						' Deserialize - String List
 
' Declare Xml array of strings
Dim namesXml = $"<?xml version=""1.0""?>
    <ArrayOfString xmlns:xsi=""http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance"" xmlns:xsd=""http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema"">
      <string>Kenneth</string>
      <string>Jennifer</string>
      <string>Lynn</string>
      <string>Sole</string>
    </ArrayOfString>
"
 
' Deserialize from XML to specified type
Dim names = Utils.Xml.Deserialize(Of List(Of String))(namesXml)
 
' Display the items
For Each item In names
    Debug.Print($"{item}")
Next
 
' expected output:
'    Kenneth
'    Jennifer
'    Lynn
'    Sole

6. Deserialize – Custom Object List

The example below demonstrates the use of ‘Utils.Xml.Deserialize‘ to deserialize xml to a list of objects.

The optional function parameter allows you to specify the System.Xml.Serialization.XmlRootAttribute.





		
		
			6. Deserialize - Custom Object List
			
Visual Basic .NET
			
			' Deserialize - Custom Object List

<System.Xml.Serialization.XmlRoot(ElementName:="Inventory")> ' Optional
Public Class Inventory
    <System.Xml.Serialization.XmlArray(ElementName:="Parts")> ' Optional
    Public Property Parts As List(Of Part)
End Class

Public Class Part
    <System.Xml.Serialization.XmlElement(ElementName:="PartName")> ' Optional
    Public Property PartName As String
    <System.Xml.Serialization.XmlElement(ElementName:="PartId")> ' Optional
    Public Property PartId As Integer
End Class

' Declare Xml array of objects
Dim inventoryXml = $"<?xml version=""1.0""?>
    <Inventory xmlns:xsd=""http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema"" xmlns:xsi=""http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance"">
      <Parts>
        <Part>
          <PartName>crank arm</PartName>
          <PartId>1234</PartId>
        </Part>
        <Part>
          <PartName>chain ring</PartName>
          <PartId>1334</PartId>
        </Part>
        <Part>
          <PartName>regular seat</PartName>
          <PartId>1434</PartId>
        </Part>
        <Part>
          <PartName>banana seat</PartName>
          <PartId>1444</PartId>
        </Part>
        <Part>
          <PartName>cassette</PartName>
          <PartId>1534</PartId>
        </Part>
        <Part>
          <PartName>shift lever</PartName>
          <PartId>1634</PartId>
        </Part>
      </Parts>
    </Inventory>
"

' Deserialize from XML to specified type
Dim inventory = Utils.Xml.Deserialize(Of Inventory)(inventoryXml)

' Display the items
For Each item In inventory.Parts
    Debug.Print($"{item.PartId} - {item.PartName}")
Next

' expected output:
'    1234 - crank arm
'    1334 - chain ring
'    1434 - regular seat
'    1444 - banana seat
'    1534 - cassette
'    1634 - shift lever
			
				
					
				
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						' Deserialize - Custom Object List
 
<System.Xml.Serialization.XmlRoot(ElementName:="Inventory")> ' Optional
Public Class Inventory
    <System.Xml.Serialization.XmlArray(ElementName:="Parts")> ' Optional
    Public Property Parts As List(Of Part)
End Class
 
Public Class Part
    <System.Xml.Serialization.XmlElement(ElementName:="PartName")> ' Optional
    Public Property PartName As String
    <System.Xml.Serialization.XmlElement(ElementName:="PartId")> ' Optional
    Public Property PartId As Integer
End Class
 
' Declare Xml array of objects
Dim inventoryXml = $"<?xml version=""1.0""?>
    <Inventory xmlns:xsd=""http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema"" xmlns:xsi=""http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance"">
      <Parts>
        <Part>
          <PartName>crank arm</PartName>
          <PartId>1234</PartId>
        </Part>
        <Part>
          <PartName>chain ring</PartName>
          <PartId>1334</PartId>
        </Part>
        <Part>
          <PartName>regular seat</PartName>
          <PartId>1434</PartId>
        </Part>
        <Part>
          <PartName>banana seat</PartName>
          <PartId>1444</PartId>
        </Part>
        <Part>
          <PartName>cassette</PartName>
          <PartId>1534</PartId>
        </Part>
        <Part>
          <PartName>shift lever</PartName>
          <PartId>1634</PartId>
        </Part>
      </Parts>
    </Inventory>
"
 
' Deserialize from XML to specified type
Dim inventory = Utils.Xml.Deserialize(Of Inventory)(inventoryXml)
 
' Display the items
For Each item In inventory.Parts
    Debug.Print($"{item.PartId} - {item.PartName}")
Next
 
' expected output:
'    1234 - crank arm
'    1334 - chain ring
'    1434 - regular seat
'    1444 - banana seat
'    1534 - cassette
'    1634 - shift lever

7. Utils Namespace

The following is the Utils Namespace. Include this in your project to start using!





		
		
			Utils Namespace
			
Visual Basic .NET
			
			' ============================================================================
'    Author: Kenneth Perkins
'    Date:   Nov 16, 2020
'    Taken From: http://programmingnotes.org/
'    File: Utils.vb
'    Description: Handles general utility functions
' ============================================================================
Option Strict On
Option Explicit On

Namespace Global.Utils
    Namespace Xml
        Public Module modXml
            ''' <summary>
            ''' Serializes the specified value to XML
            ''' </summary>
            ''' <param name="value">The value to serialize</param> 
            ''' <param name="root">The XmlRootAttribute that represents the XML root element</param> 
            ''' <returns>The value serialized to XML</returns>
            Public Function Serialize(Of T)(value As T _
                                      , Optional root As System.Xml.Serialization.XmlRootAttribute = Nothing) As String
                Dim xml = String.Empty
                Dim type = If(value IsNot Nothing, value.GetType, GetType(T))
                Dim serializer = New System.Xml.Serialization.XmlSerializer(type:=type, root:=root)
                Using stream = New System.IO.MemoryStream
                    serializer.Serialize(stream, value)
                    xml = GetStreamText(stream)
                End Using
                Return xml
            End Function

            ''' <summary>
            ''' Deserializes the specified value from XML to Object T
            ''' </summary>
            ''' <param name="value">The value to deserialize</param> 
            ''' <param name="root">The XmlRootAttribute that represents the XML root element</param> 
            ''' <returns>The value deserialized to Object T</returns>
            Public Function Deserialize(Of T)(value As String _
                                              , Optional root As System.Xml.Serialization.XmlRootAttribute = Nothing) As T
                Dim obj As T = Nothing
                Dim serializer = New System.Xml.Serialization.XmlSerializer(type:=GetType(T), root:=root)
                Using stringReader = New System.IO.StringReader(value)
                    Using xmlReader = System.Xml.XmlReader.Create(stringReader)
                        obj = CType(serializer.Deserialize(xmlReader), T)
                    End Using
                End Using
                Return obj
            End Function

            Public Function GetStreamText(stream As System.IO.Stream) As String
                Try
                    TryResetPosition(stream)
                    Dim stmReader = New System.IO.StreamReader(stream)
                    Dim text = stmReader.ReadToEnd
                    Return text
                Catch ex As Exception
                    Throw
                Finally
                    TryResetPosition(stream)
                End Try
            End Function

            Private Sub TryResetPosition(stream As System.IO.Stream)
                If stream.CanSeek Then
                    stream.Position = 0
                End If
            End Sub
        End Module
    End Namespace
End Namespace ' http://programmingnotes.org/
			
				
					
				
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						' ============================================================================
'    Author: Kenneth Perkins
'    Date:   Nov 16, 2020
'    Taken From: http://programmingnotes.org/
'    File: Utils.vb
'    Description: Handles general utility functions
' ============================================================================
Option Strict On
Option Explicit On
 
Namespace Global.Utils
    Namespace Xml
        Public Module modXml
            ''' <summary>
            ''' Serializes the specified value to XML
            ''' </summary>
            ''' <param name="value">The value to serialize</param> 
            ''' <param name="root">The XmlRootAttribute that represents the XML root element</param> 
            ''' <returns>The value serialized to XML</returns>
            Public Function Serialize(Of T)(value As T _
                                      , Optional root As System.Xml.Serialization.XmlRootAttribute = Nothing) As String
                Dim xml = String.Empty
                Dim type = If(value IsNot Nothing, value.GetType, GetType(T))
                Dim serializer = New System.Xml.Serialization.XmlSerializer(type:=type, root:=root)
                Using stream = New System.IO.MemoryStream
                    serializer.Serialize(stream, value)
                    xml = GetStreamText(stream)
                End Using
                Return xml
            End Function
 
            ''' <summary>
            ''' Deserializes the specified value from XML to Object T
            ''' </summary>
            ''' <param name="value">The value to deserialize</param> 
            ''' <param name="root">The XmlRootAttribute that represents the XML root element</param> 
            ''' <returns>The value deserialized to Object T</returns>
            Public Function Deserialize(Of T)(value As String _
                                              , Optional root As System.Xml.Serialization.XmlRootAttribute = Nothing) As T
                Dim obj As T = Nothing
                Dim serializer = New System.Xml.Serialization.XmlSerializer(type:=GetType(T), root:=root)
                Using stringReader = New System.IO.StringReader(value)
                    Using xmlReader = System.Xml.XmlReader.Create(stringReader)
                        obj = CType(serializer.Deserialize(xmlReader), T)
                    End Using
                End Using
                Return obj
            End Function
 
            Public Function GetStreamText(stream As System.IO.Stream) As String
                Try
                    TryResetPosition(stream)
                    Dim stmReader = New System.IO.StreamReader(stream)
                    Dim text = stmReader.ReadToEnd
                    Return text
                Catch ex As Exception
                    Throw
                Finally
                    TryResetPosition(stream)
                End Try
            End Function
 
            Private Sub TryResetPosition(stream As System.IO.Stream)
                If stream.CanSeek Then
                    stream.Position = 0
                End If
            End Sub
        End Module
    End Namespace
End Namespace ' http://programmingnotes.org/

8. More Examples

Below are more examples demonstrating the use of the ‘Utils‘ Namespace. Don’t forget to include the module when running the examples!





		
		
			More Examples
			
Visual Basic .NET
			
			' ============================================================================
'    Author: Kenneth Perkins
'    Date:   Nov 16, 2020
'    Taken From: http://programmingnotes.org/
'    File: Program.vb
'    Description: The following demonstrates the use of the Utils Namespace
' ============================================================================
Option Strict On
Option Explicit On
Imports System

Public Module Program

    <System.Xml.Serialization.XmlRoot(ElementName:="Inventory")> ' Optional
    Public Class Inventory
        <System.Xml.Serialization.XmlArray(ElementName:="Parts")> ' Optional
        Public Property Parts As List(Of Part)
    End Class

    Public Class Part
        Public Property PartName As String
        Public Property PartId As Integer
    End Class

    Sub Main(args As String())
        Try
            ' Declare array of integers 
            Dim numbers = New Integer() {1987, 19, 22, 2009, 2019, 1991, 28, 31}

            ' Create an XmlRootAttribute overloaded constructor and set its namespace.
            Dim myXmlRootAttribute = New System.Xml.Serialization.XmlRootAttribute("OverriddenRootElementName") With {
                .Namespace = "http://www.microsoft.com"
            }

            ' Serialize to XML
            Dim numbersXml = Utils.Xml.Serialize(numbers)

            ' Display XML
            Display(numbersXml)

            Display("")

            ' Declare list of strings
            Dim names = New List(Of String) From {
                "Kenneth",
                "Jennifer",
                "Lynn",
                "Sole"
            }

            ' Serialize to XML
            Dim namesXml = Utils.Xml.Serialize(names)

            ' Display XML
            Display(namesXml)

            Display("")

            ' Declare list of objects
            Dim inventory = New Inventory With {
                .Parts = New List(Of Part) From {
                    New Part With {
                     .PartName = "crank arm",
                     .PartId = 1234
                },
                    New Part With {
                     .PartName = "chain ring",
                     .PartId = 1334
                },
                    New Part With {
                     .PartName = "regular seat",
                     .PartId = 1434
                },
                    New Part With {
                     .PartName = "banana seat",
                     .PartId = 1444
                },
                    New Part With {
                     .PartName = "cassette",
                     .PartId = 1534
                },
                    New Part With {
                     .PartName = "shift lever",
                     .PartId = 1634
                }}
            }

            ' Serialize to XML
            Dim inventoryXml = Utils.Xml.Serialize(inventory)

            ' Display XML
            Display(inventoryXml)

            Display("")

            ' Declare Xml array of integers
            Dim numbersXmlTest = $"<?xml version=""1.0""?>
                <ArrayOfInt xmlns:xsi=""http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance"" xmlns:xsd=""http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema"">
                    <int>1987</int>
                    <int>19</int>
                    <int>22</int>
                    <int>2009</int>
                    <int>2019</int>
                    <int>1991</int>
                    <int>28</int>
                    <int>31</int>
                </ArrayOfInt>
            "

            ' Deserialize from XML to specified type
            Dim numbersTest = Utils.Xml.Deserialize(Of Integer())(numbersXmlTest)

            ' Display the items
            For Each item In numbersTest
                Display($"{item}")
            Next

            Display("")

            ' Declare Xml array of strings
            Dim namesXmlTest = $"<?xml version=""1.0""?>
                <ArrayOfString xmlns:xsi=""http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance"" xmlns:xsd=""http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema"">
                    <string>Kenneth</string>
                    <string>Jennifer</string>
                    <string>Lynn</string>
                    <string>Sole</string>
                </ArrayOfString>
            "

            ' Deserialize from XML to specified type
            Dim namesTest = Utils.Xml.Deserialize(Of List(Of String))(namesXmlTest)

            ' Display the items
            For Each item In namesTest
                Display($"{item}")
            Next

            Display("")

            ' Declare Xml array of objects
            Dim inventoryXmlTest = $"<?xml version=""1.0""?>
                <Inventory xmlns:xsd=""http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema"" xmlns:xsi=""http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance"">
                  <Parts>
                    <Part>
                      <PartName>crank arm</PartName>
                      <PartId>1234</PartId>
                    </Part>
                    <Part>
                      <PartName>chain ring</PartName>
                      <PartId>1334</PartId>
                    </Part>
                    <Part>
                      <PartName>regular seat</PartName>
                      <PartId>1434</PartId>
                    </Part>
                    <Part>
                      <PartName>banana seat</PartName>
                      <PartId>1444</PartId>
                    </Part>
                    <Part>
                      <PartName>cassette</PartName>
                      <PartId>1534</PartId>
                    </Part>
                    <Part>
                      <PartName>shift lever</PartName>
                      <PartId>1634</PartId>
                    </Part>
                  </Parts>
                </Inventory>
            "

            ' Deserialize from XML to specified type
            Dim inventoryTest = Utils.Xml.Deserialize(Of Inventory)(inventoryXmlTest)

            ' Display the items
            For Each item In inventoryTest.Parts
                Display($"{item.PartId} - {item.PartName}")
            Next
        Catch ex As Exception
            Display(ex.ToString)
        Finally
            Console.ReadLine()
        End Try
    End Sub

    Public Sub Display(message As String)
        Console.WriteLine(message)
        Debug.Print(message)
    End Sub
End Module ' http://programmingnotes.org/
			
				
					
				
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						' ============================================================================
'    Author: Kenneth Perkins
'    Date:   Nov 16, 2020
'    Taken From: http://programmingnotes.org/
'    File: Program.vb
'    Description: The following demonstrates the use of the Utils Namespace
' ============================================================================
Option Strict On
Option Explicit On
Imports System
 
Public Module Program
 
    <System.Xml.Serialization.XmlRoot(ElementName:="Inventory")> ' Optional
    Public Class Inventory
        <System.Xml.Serialization.XmlArray(ElementName:="Parts")> ' Optional
        Public Property Parts As List(Of Part)
    End Class
 
    Public Class Part
        Public Property PartName As String
        Public Property PartId As Integer
    End Class
 
    Sub Main(args As String())
        Try
            ' Declare array of integers 
            Dim numbers = New Integer() {1987, 19, 22, 2009, 2019, 1991, 28, 31}
 
            ' Create an XmlRootAttribute overloaded constructor and set its namespace.
            Dim myXmlRootAttribute = New System.Xml.Serialization.XmlRootAttribute("OverriddenRootElementName") With {
                .Namespace = "http://www.microsoft.com"
            }
 
            ' Serialize to XML
            Dim numbersXml = Utils.Xml.Serialize(numbers)
 
            ' Display XML
            Display(numbersXml)
 
            Display("")
 
            ' Declare list of strings
            Dim names = New List(Of String) From {
                "Kenneth",
                "Jennifer",
                "Lynn",
                "Sole"
            }
 
            ' Serialize to XML
            Dim namesXml = Utils.Xml.Serialize(names)
 
            ' Display XML
            Display(namesXml)
 
            Display("")
 
            ' Declare list of objects
            Dim inventory = New Inventory With {
                .Parts = New List(Of Part) From {
                    New Part With {
                     .PartName = "crank arm",
                     .PartId = 1234
                },
                    New Part With {
                     .PartName = "chain ring",
                     .PartId = 1334
                },
                    New Part With {
                     .PartName = "regular seat",
                     .PartId = 1434
                },
                    New Part With {
                     .PartName = "banana seat",
                     .PartId = 1444
                },
                    New Part With {
                     .PartName = "cassette",
                     .PartId = 1534
                },
                    New Part With {
                     .PartName = "shift lever",
                     .PartId = 1634
                }}
            }
 
            ' Serialize to XML
            Dim inventoryXml = Utils.Xml.Serialize(inventory)
 
            ' Display XML
            Display(inventoryXml)
 
            Display("")
 
            ' Declare Xml array of integers
            Dim numbersXmlTest = $"<?xml version=""1.0""?>
                <ArrayOfInt xmlns:xsi=""http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance"" xmlns:xsd=""http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema"">
                    <int>1987</int>
                    <int>19</int>
                    <int>22</int>
                    <int>2009</int>
                    <int>2019</int>
                    <int>1991</int>
                    <int>28</int>
                    <int>31</int>
                </ArrayOfInt>
            "
 
            ' Deserialize from XML to specified type
            Dim numbersTest = Utils.Xml.Deserialize(Of Integer())(numbersXmlTest)
 
            ' Display the items
            For Each item In numbersTest
                Display($"{item}")
            Next
 
            Display("")
 
            ' Declare Xml array of strings
            Dim namesXmlTest = $"<?xml version=""1.0""?>
                <ArrayOfString xmlns:xsi=""http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance"" xmlns:xsd=""http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema"">
                    <string>Kenneth</string>
                    <string>Jennifer</string>
                    <string>Lynn</string>
                    <string>Sole</string>
                </ArrayOfString>
            "
 
            ' Deserialize from XML to specified type
            Dim namesTest = Utils.Xml.Deserialize(Of List(Of String))(namesXmlTest)
 
            ' Display the items
            For Each item In namesTest
                Display($"{item}")
            Next
 
            Display("")
 
            ' Declare Xml array of objects
            Dim inventoryXmlTest = $"<?xml version=""1.0""?>
                <Inventory xmlns:xsd=""http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema"" xmlns:xsi=""http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance"">
                  <Parts>
                    <Part>
                      <PartName>crank arm</PartName>
                      <PartId>1234</PartId>
                    </Part>
                    <Part>
                      <PartName>chain ring</PartName>
                      <PartId>1334</PartId>
                    </Part>
                    <Part>
                      <PartName>regular seat</PartName>
                      <PartId>1434</PartId>
                    </Part>
                    <Part>
                      <PartName>banana seat</PartName>
                      <PartId>1444</PartId>
                    </Part>
                    <Part>
                      <PartName>cassette</PartName>
                      <PartId>1534</PartId>
                    </Part>
                    <Part>
                      <PartName>shift lever</PartName>
                      <PartId>1634</PartId>
                    </Part>
                  </Parts>
                </Inventory>
            "
 
            ' Deserialize from XML to specified type
            Dim inventoryTest = Utils.Xml.Deserialize(Of Inventory)(inventoryXmlTest)
 
            ' Display the items
            For Each item In inventoryTest.Parts
                Display($"{item.PartId} - {item.PartName}")
            Next
        Catch ex As Exception
            Display(ex.ToString)
        Finally
            Console.ReadLine()
        End Try
    End Sub
 
    Public Sub Display(message As String)
        Console.WriteLine(message)
        Debug.Print(message)
    End Sub
End Module ' http://programmingnotes.org/

QUICK NOTES:
The highlighted lines are sections of interest to look out for.

The code is heavily commented, so no further insight is necessary. If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below.

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Posted in: Console, VB.NET Tags: vb.net, xml

VB.NET || How To Serialize & Deserialize XML Using VB.NET

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