How to Automatically Generate XML Serialization Assembly in Visual Studio

Discover how to resolve FileNotFoundException issues caused by missing XML Serialization assemblies in Visual Studio by modifying your MSBUILD script.
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Effectively Generating XML Serialization Assemblies in Visual Studio

When working with XML serialization in C#, developers often encounter a FileNotFoundException that can cause unnecessary confusion during the build process. This issue arises when the framework cannot find the required serialization assembly, which is crucial for XML operations. Understanding how to address this situation is vital for a smooth development experience. In this guide, we'll explore how to ensure that Visual Studio generates the XML Serialization assembly automatically as part of the build process, eliminating frustrating exceptions and manual steps.

The Problem: FileNotFoundException

While attempting to read XML data using XmlSerializer, you may run into an exception like this:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

This indicates that the XML serialization assembly, which is required for the XML operations, is either missing or not generated. While the .NET framework automatically tries to generate this assembly when it is missing, it may still lead to exceptions during the build process, which you might want to avoid.

The Solution: Modifying the MSBUILD Script

To instruct Visual Studio to automatically generate the XML Serialization assembly during the build, you'll need to adjust the MSBUILD script in your project file (.CSPROJ). Here’s how you can achieve that:

Step-by-Step Instructions

Open the .CSPROJ File:

Rather than viewing the project in the IDE, right-click on your project in Solution Explorer and select "Unload Project." Then, right-click again and choose "Edit .CSPROJ" to open it as a text file.

Locate the Build Targets:

Scroll to the bottom of the loaded .CSPROJ file until you come across a section that looks like this:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Add your Custom AfterBuild Target:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

What Does This Do?

SGen: The SGen task specifies the parameters for generating the XML serializer assembly, ensuring it compiles correctly each time you build your project.

Conclusion

By modifying your .CSPROJ file to include a custom AfterBuild target, you can ensure that the XML Serialization assembly is generated automatically, thereby resolving the FileNotFoundException. This simple adjustment streamlines your build process and enhances your productivity in C# XML serialization projects.

Feel free to adapt the provided code to fit your specific project needs and let go of the worry concerning missing serialization assemblies!