How can I use DataSets to store my application data in an XML file?

Question

On my main window I have a DataGridView that I wish to display my data. My application allows users to input, change, and delete data. I asked my friend the best method of doing this he said storing the information in an XML file. So now I am wondering on HOW to use XmlSerializer. Can I make an XML document or DataSet and give it values, but still be able to read, add, and change those values (via DataGridView)? Also, I would like to check if the XML file is created (if it is the first time the application is executed, create the xml; if not, use created xml file).

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Also make sure it's in C#!

Answer 1

See this question about using XML as a datasource for a DataGridView

Answer 2

Here is an example VB.NET app that opens an XML file by reading it into a DataSet, then assigns the DataTables created in the DataSet as the source for a DataGridView. It lets you edit and add rows to the grid view, then saves it back to the XML file:

http://dot-dash-dot.com/files/wtfxml.zip

Ron

Answer 3

Depends how much control you want over the XML, but something like this should give you the idea:

    DataTable dt = new DataTable("MyTable");
    dt.Columns.Add(new DataColumn("MyCol1", typeof(string)));
    dt.Columns.Add(new DataColumn("MyCol2", typeof(int)));

    DataSet ds = new DataSet();
    ds.Tables.Add(dt);

    dt.Rows.Add("Val1", 5);
    dt.Rows.Add("Val2", 6);

    ds.WriteXml("data.xml");

    DataSet ds2 = new DataSet();
    ds2.ReadXml("data.xml");

Not using XmlSerializer (directly), though.