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Save a dataset as XML

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Applies to: yesVisual Studio noVisual Studio for Mac

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Access the XML data in a dataset by calling the available XML methods on the dataset. To save the data in XML format, you can call either the GetXml method or the WriteXml method of a DataSet.

Calling the GetXml method returns a string that contains the data from all data tables in the dataset that's formatted as XML.

Calling the WriteXml method sends the XML-formatted data to a file that you specify.

To save the data in a dataset as XML to a variable

  • The GetXml method returns a String. Declare a variable of type String and assign it the results of the GetXml method.

    Dim xmlData As String = NorthwindDataSet.GetXml()

    string xmlData = northwindDataSet.GetXml();

To save the data in a dataset as XML to a file

  • The WriteXml method has several overloads. Declare a variable and assign it a valid path to save the file to. The following code shows how to save the data to a file:

    Dim filePath As String = "ENTER A VALID FILEPATH"
NorthwindDataSet.WriteXml(filePath)

    string filePath = "ENTER A VALID FILEPATH";
northwindDataSet.WriteXml(filePath);

See also