When should I use XML Serialization vs. Binary Serialization in the .NET framework?

Question

I\'m confused - when should I be using XML Serialization and when should I be using Binary Serialization in the .NET framework?

Answer 1

If you want user friendly or cross platform output, then use XML. Also, XML serialization use public fields and properties to serialize and you can change/reformat output by using attributes and custom serialization on class level if you whant. Bin.Ser. uses private fields to serialize.