wcf return an XmlDocument? [duplicate]

Answer 1

If you are using .Net 3.5 then you can try returning XElement instead - this implements IXmlSerializable, which is the missing ingredient needed to make it work with DataContractSerializer.

Answer 2

Don't send the XMLDocument, because you can reconstruct it on the other end.

You should probably send down the string that you want, or construct a business object which can be serialized to XML and transmit that.

Have a look at XSD.exe tool with the .net framework if you have an XSD and you want to make a business object from it which can be serialized.

Answer 3

append xmlserializer on what you did in the operational contract

[OperationContract,XmlSerializerFormat]
XmlDocument GetNextLetter();

this will do it !

Answer 4

The DataContractSerializer can serialize XmlElement instances. So just return the DocumentElement property of your XmlDocument instance. See: MSDN.