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To solve the problem of converting JSON to XML in C#, especially using the powerful Newtonsoft.Json library, here are the detailed steps. This process is straightforward and widely adopted by developers for its efficiency and robust handling of various JSON structures. First, ensure you have the Newtonsoft.Json NuGet package installed in your project. This is the cornerstone for leveraging its built-in JSON to XML conversion capabilities. Once installed, the primary method you’ll use is JsonConvert.DeserializeXNode(). This static method directly takes a JSON string and an optional root element name, then returns an XNode object, which represents the XML structure. This is often the quickest path to convert JSON to XML C# using Newtonsoft.Json. If you’re looking to convert JSON to XML C# without Newtonsoft, it’s a more complex task requiring manual parsing of the JSON structure (e.g., using System.Text.Json) and then building an XML document element by element, which can be verbose and error-prone for intricate JSON. However, for simpler cases, one might iterate through JSON properties and construct XElement or XmlElement objects programmatically. For most real-world scenarios, C# convert JSON to XML Newtonsoft is the recommended and most efficient approach due to its comprehensive handling of various data types, arrays, and nested objects, producing well-formed XML.

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Mastering JSON to XML Conversion in C# with Newtonsoft.Json

Converting data formats is a common task in modern software development, especially when dealing with integrations between disparate systems. JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) and XML (Extensible Markup Language) are two of the most prevalent data interchange formats. While JSON has gained significant traction for its lightweight nature and ease of use in web applications, XML continues to be critical in enterprise systems, SOAP web services, and configuration files. For C# developers, Newtonsoft.Json stands out as the de facto standard for JSON serialization and deserialization, offering powerful and flexible tools, including direct JSON to XML conversion. This section dives deep into leveraging Newtonsoft.Json for this specific task, covering everything from basic conversions to handling complex scenarios.

Why Choose Newtonsoft.Json for JSON to XML?

Newtonsoft.Json, often referred to as Json.NET, is a high-performance JSON framework for .NET. It’s renowned for its flexibility, rich features, and speed. When it comes to converting JSON to XML, it provides a remarkably simple and efficient method that abstracts away much of the underlying complexity.

  • Simplicity: With a single line of code, you can convert a JSON string to an XML XNode object. This significantly reduces development time and the potential for errors compared to manual parsing and XML construction.
  • Robustness: It handles various JSON structures gracefully, including nested objects, arrays, and different data types, mapping them intelligently to XML elements and attributes.
  • Performance: Json.NET is optimized for performance, making it suitable for applications that require fast data transformations, even with large JSON payloads.
  • Feature Rich: Beyond basic conversion, it offers options to control the conversion behavior, such as specifying the root element name, handling JSON properties as attributes, and dealing with arrays.

The Core: JsonConvert.DeserializeXNode()

The primary method for converting JSON to XML using Newtonsoft.Json is JsonConvert.DeserializeXNode(). This static method is part of the Newtonsoft.Json namespace and is designed specifically for this purpose.

  • Basic Usage:
    To perform a simple conversion, you provide the JSON string and, optionally, a root element name for the XML.

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    using Newtonsoft.Json;
using System.Xml.Linq;
using System;

public class JsonToXmlSimple
{
    public static void Main(string[] args)
    {
        string json = @"{
            ""name"": ""Product A"",
            ""price"": 29.99,
            ""available"": true
        }";

        // Convert JSON to XML with a root element named "Product"
        XNode xml = JsonConvert.DeserializeXNode(json, "Product");

        Console.WriteLine(xml.ToString());
        /* Expected XML output:
        <Product>
          <name>Product A</name>
          <price>29.99</price>
          <available>true</available>
        </Product>
        */
    }
}
  • Handling Arrays:
    When JSON contains arrays, DeserializeXNode intelligently creates child elements for each item. By default, array items are named after their parent key (singularized if possible) or a generic “item”. Convert json to xml c# without newtonsoft 
    string jsonWithArray = @"{
    ""items"": [
        { ""id"": 1, ""value"": ""Apple"" },
        { ""id"": 2, ""value"": ""Banana"" }
    ]
}";

XNode xmlWithArray = JsonConvert.DeserializeXNode(jsonWithArray, "Root");
Console.WriteLine(xmlWithArray.ToString());
/* Expected XML output:
<Root>
  <items>
    <item>
      <id>1</id>
      <value>Apple</value>
    </item>
    <item>
      <id>2</id>
      <value>Banana</value>
    </item>
  </items>
</Root>
*/

    Notice how items contains item elements for each array entry. This is the default behavior that often aligns well with common XML structures.

Customizing XML Output with JsonSerializerSettings

While DeserializeXNode provides a convenient default mapping, you might need more control over how JSON elements are translated to XML, especially when dealing with specific XML schemas or legacy systems. Newtonsoft.Json offers JsonSerializerSettings and specific JsonXmlNodeConverter options to fine-tune this process.

  • JsonArrayAttributeNames:
    This setting allows you to specify a prefix for array item names, giving you more control over the generated XML element names for array elements. 

    using Newtonsoft.Json;
using System.Xml.Linq;
using System;

public class CustomArrayNaming
{
    public static void Main(string[] args)
    {
        string json = @"{
            ""users"": [
                { ""id"": 1, ""name"": ""Ali"" },
                { ""id"": 2, ""name"": ""Fatima"" }
            ]
        }";

        // Specify "user" as the element name for array items in "users"
        JsonLoadSettings settings = new JsonLoadSettings
        {
            // This is specifically for JsonConvert.DeserializeXNode and how it loads JSON
            // However, direct attribute naming control for array items is typically handled
            // by mapping and then converting, or via JsonXmlNodeConverter settings,
            // which might not be directly exposed as a simple setting on DeserializeXNode.
            // A common approach for this level of control often involves a custom converter
            // or post-processing the XDocument.
            //
            // For direct simple array item naming, DeserializeXNode doesn't have a direct
            // setting. The 'item' element name is a convention.
            // If you want more control, you might need to use JsonTextReader/JsonTextWriter
            // to manually build the XML or convert to a JObject first.
        };

        // Workaround for specific array item names might involve JObject first
        // or specific XML conversion settings if available in other overloads.
        // For DeserializeXNode, the 'item' naming for array elements is fixed by default.
        // If you need "user" instead of "item", you would need to iterate and rename or
        // use a more manual XML construction.

        // Let's stick to what DeserializeXNode naturally offers for now, and note the limitation.
        XNode xml = JsonConvert.DeserializeXNode(json, "Data");
        Console.WriteLine("Default Array Naming:");
        Console.WriteLine(xml.ToString());
        /* Output will still be:
        <Data>
          <users>
            <item>
              <id>1</id>
              <name>Ali</name>
            </item>
            <item>
              <id>2</id>
              <name>Fatima</name>
            </item>
          </users>
        </Data>
        */

        // To achieve 'user' instead of 'item', you'd typically need to process the JObject
        // and build the XML using XmlWriter or XDocument APIs.
        // This highlights a boundary where direct DeserializeXNode simplicity might require
        // a step back for more complex, highly customized XML output.
    }
}

    Note on Array Naming: While JsonConvert.DeserializeXNode is powerful, its default behavior for array element naming (<item>) is fixed. Achieving custom array item names (e.g., <user> instead of <item>) often requires a more manual approach, such as converting the JSON to a JObject first, then iterating through its structure to build the XML using XElement or XmlWriter, giving you precise control over element names. This is where the flexibility of System.Xml.Linq comes into play when DeserializeXNode doesn’t meet specific naming conventions.

  • ConvertJsonToXmlAttributes:
    This setting, which is part of JsonLoadSettings that DeserializeXNode can accept, determines whether JSON properties that are simple types should be converted to XML attributes instead of child elements. This is very useful for producing more compact or attribute-centric XML. 

    using Newtonsoft.Json;
using System.Xml.Linq;
using System;

public class JsonToXmlAttributes
{
    public static void Main(string[] args)
    {
        string json = @"{
            ""@id"": ""123"",
            ""name"": ""BookTitle"",
            ""_description"": ""A great story""
        }";

        // With default DeserializeXNode, "@" and "_" prefix handling
        // "@" prefix: Convert property to XML attribute on parent element
        // "_" prefix: Convert property to XML text node
        XNode xmlDefault = JsonConvert.DeserializeXNode(json, "Book");
        Console.WriteLine("Default with @ and _ prefixes:");
        Console.WriteLine(xmlDefault.ToString());
        /* Expected output (demonstrating default behavior):
        <Book id="123">
          <name>BookTitle</name>
          A great story
        </Book>
        */

        // To force *all* simple properties to attributes, or more complex attribute mapping,
        // one would typically use a custom converter or manual JObject to XDocument mapping.
        // DeserializeXNode's direct attribute conversion logic is primarily tied to the "@" prefix.
    }
}

    Key Takeaway: The @ prefix in JSON keys is a special convention in Newtonsoft.Json for mapping a JSON property to an XML attribute of its parent element. The _ prefix maps a JSON property to the XML text node of its parent. This is a powerful feature for generating XML that conforms to certain schemas. Text info to 85075

Error Handling and Edge Cases

Robust applications need to handle malformed input or unexpected JSON structures. When converting JSON to XML, several issues can arise.

  • Invalid JSON: If the input JSON string is not valid, JsonConvert.DeserializeXNode will throw a JsonSerializationException or a JsonReaderException. It’s crucial to wrap the conversion call in a try-catch block. 
    try
{
    string invalidJson = "{ \"name\": \"Test\", \"value\": }"; // Malformed JSON
    XNode xml = JsonConvert.DeserializeXNode(invalidJson, "Root");
    Console.WriteLine(xml.ToString());
}
catch (JsonReaderException ex)
{
    Console.WriteLine($"Error: Invalid JSON format. {ex.Message}");
}
catch (Exception ex)
{
    Console.WriteLine($"An unexpected error occurred: {ex.Message}");
}
  • JSON Root Element: XML requires a single root element. If your JSON is a simple array or a string without a single encapsulating object, you must provide a root element name to DeserializeXNode. If you pass a JSON array directly without a root, it will wrap it. 
    string jsonArrayOnly = @"[ ""item1"", ""item2"" ]";
// This will create a root element named "Root" and "item" elements inside it
XNode xmlFromArray = JsonConvert.DeserializeXNode(jsonArrayOnly, "Root");
Console.WriteLine(xmlFromArray.ToString());
/* Output:
<Root>
  <item>item1</item>
  <item>item2</item>
</Root>
*/
  • Empty JSON: Converting an empty JSON object {} will result in an XML document with just the specified root element. An empty JSON array [] will also result in a root element with no children if treated as an array. 
    XNode emptyObjectXml = JsonConvert.DeserializeXNode("{}", "EmptyData");
Console.WriteLine($"Empty object: {emptyObjectXml.ToString()}"); // Output: <EmptyData />

XNode emptyArrayXml = JsonConvert.DeserializeXNode("[]", "EmptyList");
Console.WriteLine($"Empty array: {emptyArrayXml.ToString()}"); // Output: <EmptyList />

Practical Considerations for JSON to XML Conversion

While the technical aspect of conversion is often straightforward with Newtonsoft.Json, there are practical considerations that arise from the fundamental differences between JSON and XML.

  • Schema Mapping: JSON is largely schema-less, while XML often relies on DTDs or XSDs for structure validation. When converting, ensure the generated XML structure is compatible with any required XML schema. This might involve post-processing the XDocument or using more controlled manual XML building if the direct conversion isn’t sufficient.
  • Data Types: JSON has a limited set of native types (string, number, boolean, null, object, array). XML treats everything as character data, relying on schemas or context for type interpretation. Newtonsoft.Json handles this mapping well, but be mindful of how numbers or booleans might be interpreted by downstream XML consumers.
  • Attribute vs. Element: JSON doesn’t have a direct concept of attributes. As seen, Newtonsoft.Json uses conventions like @ for attributes. Deciding what becomes an attribute versus an element in XML is a design choice. Generally, metadata or IDs are good candidates for attributes, while content or complex objects become elements.
  • Namespace Handling: XML namespaces are crucial for avoiding naming conflicts in complex documents. Newtonsoft.Json’s direct DeserializeXNode does not inherently manage XML namespaces directly from JSON structure. If your target XML requires namespaces, you will likely need to manipulate the XDocument or XElement objects post-conversion to add them, or use a more advanced XML serialization approach. 
    XDocument doc = new XDocument(
    new XElement(XName.Get("root", "http://example.com/ns"),
        new XElement("item", "data")
    )
);
Console.WriteLine(doc.ToString());
// This requires manual XDocument construction after initial JSON to XML conversion if needed.

Alternative: C# Convert JSON to XML Without Newtonsoft.Json

While Newtonsoft.Json is the go-to, it’s worth understanding the alternatives, especially if you have strict dependency constraints or are working in environments where System.Text.Json (the built-in .NET JSON serializer) is preferred. Converting JSON to XML without Newtonsoft.Json is significantly more involved and typically requires manual parsing of the JSON and then constructing the XML document using System.Xml.Linq or System.Xml.

  • Using System.Text.Json and System.Xml.Linq:
    This approach involves parsing the JSON string into a JsonDocument or JsonElement hierarchy and then recursively building an XDocument or XElement structure. 
    using System;
using System.Text.Json;
using System.Xml.Linq;
using System.Linq;

public class JsonToXmlWithoutNewtonsoft
{
    public static void ConvertJsonToXml(string jsonString, string rootName)
    {
        try
        {
            using (JsonDocument doc = JsonDocument.Parse(jsonString))
            {
                XElement rootElement = new XElement(rootName);
                ConvertJsonElementToXElement(doc.RootElement, rootElement);
                Console.WriteLine(rootElement.ToString());
            }
        }
        catch (JsonException ex)
        {
            Console.WriteLine($"Error parsing JSON: {ex.Message}");
        }
        catch (Exception ex)
        {
            Console.WriteLine($"An unexpected error occurred: {ex.Message}");
        }
    }

    private static void ConvertJsonElementToXElement(JsonElement jsonElement, XElement parentElement)
    {
        switch (jsonElement.ValueKind)
        {
            case JsonValueKind.Object:
                foreach (JsonProperty property in jsonElement.EnumerateObject())
                {
                    // Special handling for "@" prefix for attributes, if desired
                    if (property.Name.StartsWith("@"))
                    {
                        parentElement.Add(new XAttribute(property.Name.Substring(1), property.Value.ToString()));
                    }
                    else if (property.Name.StartsWith("_")) // For text nodes
                    {
                        // This would be for the case where _property is the text content
                        // This gets tricky, usually better to map directly.
                        // For simplicity, treat as an element unless specified
                        parentElement.Add(new XElement(property.Name, property.Value.ToString()));
                    }
                    else
                    {
                        XElement newElement = new XElement(property.Name);
                        parentElement.Add(newElement);
                        ConvertJsonElementToXElement(property.Value, newElement);
                    }
                }
                break;
            case JsonValueKind.Array:
                // For arrays, a common pattern is to create child elements with a generic name
                // or based on the parent element's name.
                foreach (JsonElement item in jsonElement.EnumerateArray())
                {
                    XElement arrayItemElement = new XElement("item"); // Generic name for array items
                    parentElement.Add(arrayItemElement);
                    ConvertJsonElementToXElement(item, arrayItemElement);
                }
                break;
            case JsonValueKind.String:
                parentElement.Add(jsonElement.GetString());
                break;
            case JsonValueKind.Number:
                parentElement.Add(jsonElement.GetRawText());
                break;
            case JsonValueKind.True:
                parentElement.Add("true");
                break;
            case JsonValueKind.False:
                parentElement.Add("false");
                break;
            case JsonValueKind.Null:
                // Do nothing for null, or add an empty element/attribute
                break;
            case JsonValueKind.Undefined:
                // Handle as needed
                break;
        }
    }
}

// Example Usage:
// JsonToXmlWithoutNewtonsoft.ConvertJsonToXml("{ \"name\": \"Gadget\", \"id\": \"G456\" }", "Product");
  • When to Consider Alternatives:
    • Reduced Dependencies: If your project has a strict policy against external libraries and the built-in System.Text.Json is preferred.
    • Specific .NET Versions: For .NET Core 3.1+ applications where System.Text.Json is natively integrated and offers strong performance.
    • Highly Custom XML: If the default mapping of JsonConvert.DeserializeXNode doesn’t meet very specific and complex XML schema requirements, a manual approach gives you granular control over every element, attribute, and text node.
    • Learning Exercise: To deeply understand how JSON data structures map to XML, building a converter manually can be an excellent learning experience.

However, for the vast majority of scenarios, JsonConvert.DeserializeXNode from Newtonsoft.Json offers unparalleled convenience and efficiency. The manual approach, while demonstrating core principles, can become extremely complex and prone to errors for non-trivial JSON structures, demanding a significant investment in development and testing. Ai voice changer online free no sign up

Best Practices for Data Conversion

Regardless of the tools used, adopting best practices ensures reliable and maintainable data conversion processes.

  1. Validate Input: Always validate your JSON input before attempting conversion. This can involve schema validation, basic parsing checks, or ensuring required fields are present. This helps catch issues early and prevents runtime errors.
  2. Define Clear Mappings: Understand the exact mapping requirements between your JSON structure and the target XML schema. Document this mapping. This clarity guides your conversion logic and makes debugging easier.
  3. Handle Nulls and Missing Data: Decide how null JSON values or missing properties should be represented in XML. Should they be omitted, represented as empty elements, or given a default value? Newtonsoft.Json usually omits null elements by default, but it’s important to confirm this aligns with your XML schema.
  4. Consider Performance for Large Data: For very large JSON payloads, consider streaming approaches if possible, though for most common scenarios, in-memory conversion with Newtonsoft.Json is highly performant. If performance becomes a bottleneck, profiling the conversion process can identify specific areas for optimization.
  5. Utilize XSLT for Complex Transformations: If the XML generated by direct conversion needs significant restructuring (e.g., reordering elements, complex conditional logic, aggregation), consider using XSLT (Extensible Stylesheet Language Transformations) as a post-processing step. First convert JSON to a basic XML structure, then apply an XSLT stylesheet to transform it into the desired final XML. This separates the concerns of format conversion from structural transformation.
  6. Test Thoroughly: Implement comprehensive unit and integration tests for your conversion logic. Test with various JSON structures, including:
    • Simple objects
    • Nested objects
    • Arrays (empty, single-item, multiple-item)
    • JSON with special characters
    • Malformed JSON
    • Edge cases like null values or empty strings.

Conclusion

Converting JSON to XML in C# is a common requirement, and Newtonsoft.Json provides the most efficient and straightforward path through its JsonConvert.DeserializeXNode() method. Its simplicity, robustness, and flexibility make it an indispensable tool for .NET developers. While manual alternatives using System.Text.Json and System.Xml.Linq offer ultimate control, they come with significantly higher complexity and development effort. For most practical scenarios, embracing Newtonsoft.Json will save you time and deliver reliable results, allowing you to focus on the core logic of your applications. Always remember to validate your input, understand your mapping requirements, and test rigorously to ensure a smooth data interchange experience.

FAQ

What is the primary method to convert JSON to XML using Newtonsoft.Json in C#?

The primary method to convert JSON to XML using Newtonsoft.Json in C# is JsonConvert.DeserializeXNode(jsonString, rootElementName). This static method takes a JSON string and an optional root element name, returning an XNode object representing the XML.

Do I need to install Newtonsoft.Json to convert JSON to XML in C#?

Yes, if you want to use the convenient JsonConvert.DeserializeXNode() method, you need to install the Newtonsoft.Json NuGet package in your C# project.

How do I install Newtonsoft.Json in my C# project?

You can install Newtonsoft.Json via the NuGet Package Manager in Visual Studio. Right-click on your project in Solution Explorer, select “Manage NuGet Packages…”, search for “Newtonsoft.Json”, and click “Install”. Alternatively, use the Package Manager Console: Install-Package Newtonsoft.Json. Binary product of 101 and 10

What is the purpose of the rootElementName parameter in JsonConvert.DeserializeXNode()?

The rootElementName parameter is used to define the name of the root XML element that will encapsulate the converted JSON data. XML documents require a single root element, so providing this ensures the output is well-formed XML.

Can JsonConvert.DeserializeXNode() handle JSON arrays directly?

Yes, if your JSON string is a top-level array, JsonConvert.DeserializeXNode() will automatically wrap it under the specified rootElementName, with each array item converted into a child element, typically named “item” or singularized based on the parent key.

How does Newtonsoft.Json handle JSON properties with special characters when converting to XML?

Newtonsoft.Json generally handles special characters by escaping them or creating valid XML element names. For instance, if a JSON property contains characters invalid for XML element names, Newtonsoft.Json might transform them (e.g., by replacing invalid characters or prefixing). For attributes, the @ convention is used.

What happens if my JSON input is invalid when using JsonConvert.DeserializeXNode()?

If your JSON input is invalid, JsonConvert.DeserializeXNode() will throw a JsonReaderException or JsonSerializationException. It’s essential to wrap your conversion logic in a try-catch block to handle such errors gracefully.

Can I convert JSON to XML in C# without using Newtonsoft.Json?

Yes, it is possible to convert JSON to XML without Newtonsoft.Json, typically by parsing the JSON string using System.Text.Json (the built-in .NET JSON library) and then manually constructing the XML document using System.Xml.Linq or System.Xml. This approach requires more manual coding and is generally more complex for arbitrary JSON structures. Ip address table example

What are the advantages of using System.Text.Json over Newtonsoft.Json for JSON to XML conversion?

The primary advantages of System.Text.Json are that it’s built-in to .NET Core 3.1+ (reducing external dependencies) and often offers better performance for pure JSON serialization/deserialization due to its focus on speed. However, it lacks the direct, simple JSON to XML conversion utility that Newtonsoft.Json provides, making the XML conversion more manual.

How do I map JSON properties to XML attributes instead of elements using Newtonsoft.Json?

Newtonsoft.Json has a convention where a JSON property name prefixed with @ (e.g., "@id": "value") will be converted into an XML attribute of the parent element (e.g., <Parent id="value"/>).

How do I convert a JSON property to an XML text node using Newtonsoft.Json?

A JSON property name prefixed with _ (e.g., "_description": "text content") will be converted into the text content of the parent XML element. For example, { "item": { "_description": "Details" } } would result in <item>Details</item>.

Can I specify the XML namespace during JSON to XML conversion with Newtonsoft.Json?

Directly specifying XML namespaces through JsonConvert.DeserializeXNode from the JSON structure isn’t its primary feature. If you need specific XML namespaces, you typically convert the JSON to an XDocument first and then manipulate the XDocument or XElement objects to add the required namespaces.

How can I handle large JSON files for conversion to XML without running out of memory?

For very large JSON files, direct in-memory conversion might consume significant memory. While Newtonsoft.Json is optimized, for extreme cases, consider stream-based parsing of JSON (e.g., with JsonTextReader) and incrementally building the XML (e.g., with XmlWriter) to avoid loading the entire document into memory. Json escape quotes python

What is the default XML element name for items in a JSON array when converted by Newtonsoft.Json?

By default, when a JSON array is converted, its items will typically appear as <item> elements within the parent array element. For example, a JSON array {"colors": ["red", "blue"]} might convert to <colors><item>red</item><item>blue</item></colors>.

Can I transform the XML output further after converting from JSON using C#?

Yes, absolutely. Once you have the XML as an XDocument or XmlDocument object (returned by DeserializeXNode), you can use standard .NET XML manipulation techniques, such as LINQ to XML (System.Xml.Linq), XmlDocument methods, or even XSLT transformations, to restructure or modify the XML as needed.

Is it possible to convert XML back to JSON using Newtonsoft.Json?

Yes, Newtonsoft.Json also provides the inverse functionality. You can convert XML back to JSON using the JsonConvert.SerializeXNode() method, which takes an XNode or XmlDocument and outputs a JSON string.

How do I deal with empty JSON objects or arrays during conversion?

An empty JSON object ({}) converted with a root element will result in an empty XML element (e.g., <Root />). An empty JSON array ([]) with a root element will also result in an empty element or an element containing no child items, depending on its context.

What are JsonLoadSettings and how do they apply to DeserializeXNode?

JsonLoadSettings can be passed to JsonConvert.DeserializeXNode to control various aspects of how the JSON is parsed and how the XNode is loaded. While some settings primarily affect JSON parsing, others, like DtdProcessing or XmlResolver, impact the XML generation. Direct control over attribute naming is sometimes achieved through specific JsonLoadSettings or by combining with JsonXmlNodeConverter. Ip address to binary

When should I consider a custom JSON to XML conversion logic instead of DeserializeXNode?

You should consider custom logic when:

  1. The default mapping of DeserializeXNode does not match your specific XML schema requirements (e.g., very specific element naming for array items, complex attribute mappings).
  2. You need to enforce specific XML namespaces or prefixes based on JSON data.
  3. You require extensive data transformation or conditional logic during the conversion that DeserializeXNode cannot provide.
  4. You are strictly avoiding third-party libraries and must use System.Text.Json and System.Xml.Linq manually.

Does Newtonsoft.Json handle circular references during JSON to XML conversion?

Newtonsoft.Json’s DeserializeXNode method primarily focuses on mapping the structure to XML. If your JSON has circular references, it’s more likely to cause issues during the initial JSON deserialization to a C# object graph, rather than directly within the DeserializeXNode call which works on the raw JSON string. If you’re going JSON String -> C# Object -> XML, circular references in the C# object graph need to be handled during the JSON String -> C# Object step (e.g., using ReferenceLoopHandling settings). DeserializeXNode attempts to map the JSON structure as is to XML, so a circular reference in the JSON structure itself could lead to infinite recursion or errors if the JSON structure is deeply self-referential in a way that XML cannot represent.

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