C# - Serialize multiple objects of the same class

Question

I am working on a small utility to manage a few computers connected on a network. This utility will have a button "Add Computer" on the UI which allows the user to configure a new computer.

I have a class called component:

public class component
{

public string name { get; set; }
public string ip { get; set; }
public string room { get; set; }

bla bla


}

Please keep I am absolutely not a professional, so forgive me if the question sounds stupid.

The first problem I got is: How can I create multiple instances of the same class at runtime? What I figured out is using a deep clone, with serialiazation and deserialization. Is it a good approach?

Second problem. Let's say at runtime I managed to create my clones and I have an object for every computer in my network. How can I create a file containing all those objects? How can I serialize them?

I am not looking for code, but just for someone pointing me in the right direction, as I am pretty sure my approach is not exactly the best. All suggestions are welcome.

Thanks a lot!

Any particular reason you are using DeepClone over, say, just creating multiple instances? — Abion47
– Abion47, Commented Oct 22, 2016 at 17:33
Also, possible duplicate: stackoverflow.com/questions/15247053/serialize-multiple-objects — Abion47
– Abion47, Commented Oct 22, 2016 at 17:35
I think you should focus on more basic things like "how to make multiple instances of" than serializing. Pick up a tutorial on C# and do some basic assignments. — shinzou
– shinzou, Commented Oct 22, 2016 at 17:40
@kuhaku Dear kuhaku, I totally agree with you that what I am trying to achieve is far beyond my knowledge. However, that's the problem I am facing right now and I just would like some good advice on what to look into (a keyword, an article, a book even). I didn't ask anyone to do my homework - in fact I didn't post any code). Thanks for your help. — grd
– grd, Commented Oct 22, 2016 at 20:22
No need for a book, just google every question you have or anything you don't understand from the answers you got. If you find yourself struggling even with that, then I suggest to start from the basics, i.e. google "learn C#" and go through the steps. — shinzou
– shinzou, Commented Oct 22, 2016 at 20:59

tym32167 · Accepted Answer · 2016-10-22 17:36:39Z

0

Ok, howto create instance of my class

var myInstance = new MyClass();

Howto serialize instance of MyClass to file

    var instance= new MyClass(); // <- instance
    using (var sw = new StreamWriter("Path_to_file"))
    {
        var ser = new XmlSerializer(typeof(MyClass));
        ser.Serialize(sw, instance);
    }

Howto read instance of MyClass from file

    using (var sr = new StreamReader("path_To_file"))
    {
        var ser = new XmlSerializer(typeof(MyClass));
        var myInstance = ser.Deserialize(sr) as T; // <- instance
    }

answered Oct 22, 2016 at 17:36

tym32167

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Tinwor · Accepted Answer · 2016-10-22 17:37:12Z

0

To store inside your program multiple instances of the same class you need an object called List (here the MSDN reference and here a fast tutorial). To store the List you have multiple choice: serialize and deserialize using xml, json, protobuf protocol and much more, it's you choice.

answered Oct 22, 2016 at 17:37

Tinwor

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