Bottom Line

XML serialization is an extremely flexible solution for storing a combination of application configuration settings and application data. It’s a great solution for the individual user and users of a single machine. You can make it work in workgroup situations as well with a little extra coding and the use of shared folders. Consider using XML serialization the next time you want to create a forms-based application. For example, placing a product request list into an XML file using XML serialization is a great way to transfer the data to the locations it needs to go. In addition, because XML is so flexible, you can view the resulting data files using a number of techniques and even include hidden data so you know precisely how the file is generated. If you haven’t already added XML serialization to your toolkit, you need to do so today.

BIO

John Mueller is a freelance author and technical editor. He has writing in his blood, having produced 81 books and over 300 articles to date. The topics range from networking to artificial intelligence and from database management to heads down programming. His current project is LINQ for Dummies (scheduled for publication in August 2008), which you can preorder at http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0470277947/datacservip0f-20/. His technical editing skills have helped over 56 authors refine the content of their manuscripts. You can reach John on the Internet at JMueller@mwt.net and his Web site at: http://www.mwt.net/~jmueller/.