Entity framework and DataContractSerializer

Question

I've been reading about serialization of entities graph in an entity framework context using Linq to entities and the different possible serializers: Binary, XmlSerializer and DataContractSerializer. As i understood the binary and XmlSerializer serialize the entity without its relationships. In case relationships are serialized it would cause a problem because of the nature of the resulting xml file structure ( for XmlSerializer). The DataContractSerializer serialize the graph in its whole depth unless the lazy load is disabled.

My question is: I want to serialize a part of the graph. For example if I have an entity A and three related entities B, C and D, only B and D would be serialized with A. I want to use the the DataContractSerializer. If I delete the [DataMemberAttribute] of the unwanted navigational properties would that work?

Answer 1

You can actually disable lazy-loading, serialize/deserialize, and then re-enable lazy-loading.

context.ContextOptions.LazyLoadingEnabled = false;

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