Why doesn't the XmlSerializer need the type to be marked [Serializable]?

Question

In C#, if I want to serialize an instance with XmlSerializer, the object\'s type doesn\'t have to be marked with [Serializable] attribute. However,

Answer 1

Right now there are really 3 forms of serialization in the .Net Framework.

1. XmlSerialization - By default works on public fields and properties. Can still be controlled via XmlElementAttribute, XmlAttributeAttribute, etc ...
2. BinarySerialization - Controlled by the SerializationAttribute. Deeply integrated into the CLR
3. WCF Seralization - DataContractAttribute, etc ...

There unfortunately is standard overall pattern for serialization. All 3 frameworks have different requirements and quirks.