How to print <?xml version="1.0"?> using XDocument

JD Frias picture JD Frias · Jun 5, 2009 · Viewed 39.4k times · Source

Is there any way to have an XDocument print the xml version when using the ToString method? Have it output something like this:

<?xml version="1.0"?>
<!DOCTYPE ELMResponse [
]>
<Response>
<Error> ...

I have the following:

var xdoc = new XDocument(new XDocumentType("Response", null, null, "\n"), ...

which will print this which is fine, but it is missing the "<?xml version" as stated above.

<!DOCTYPE ELMResponse [
]>
<Response>
<Error> ...

I know that you can do this by outputting it manually my self. Just wanted to know if it was possible by using XDocument.

Answer

EricSch picture EricSch · Jun 5, 2009

By using XDeclaration. This will add the declaration.

But with ToString() you will not get the desired output.

You need to use XDocument.Save() with one of his methods.

Full sample:

var doc = new XDocument(
        new XDeclaration("1.0", "utf-16", "yes"), 
        new XElement("blah", "blih"));

var wr = new StringWriter();
doc.Save(wr);
Console.Write(wr.ToString());