What is the correct format to use for Date/Time in an XML file

Question

What format do I use for Date/Time when writing to an XML file using .NET? Do I simply use DateTime.ToString(), or do I have to use a specific format?

Answer 1

I always use the ISO 8601 format (e.g. 2008-10-31T15:07:38.6875000-05:00) -- date.ToString("o"). It is the XSD date format as well. That is the preferred format and a Standard Date and Time Format string, although you can use a manual format string if necessary if you don't want the 'T' between the date and time: date.ToString("yyyy-MM-dd HH:mm:ss");

EDIT: If you are using a generated class from an XSD or Web Service, you can just assign the DateTime instance directly to the class property. If you are writing XML text, then use the above.