Set default value in a DataContract?

Question

How can I set a default value to a DataMember for example for the one shown below:

I want to set ScanDevice="XeroxScan" by default

    [DataMember]     public string ScanDevice { get; set; } 

Answer 1

I've usually done this with a pattern like this:

[DataContract] public class MyClass {     [DataMember]     public string ScanDevice { get; set; }      public MyClass()     {         SetDefaults();     }      [OnDeserializing]     private void OnDeserializing(StreamingContext context)     {         SetDefaults();     }      private void SetDefaults()     {         ScanDevice = "XeroxScan";     } } 

Don't forget the OnDeserializing, as your constructor will not be called during deserialization.

Answer 2

If you want it always to default to XeroxScan, why not do something simple like:

[DataMember(EmitDefaultValue = false)] public string ScanDevice= "XeroxScan";