JsonSerializerSettings

JsonSerializerSettings is a configuration class in the Newtonsoft.Json library (Json.NET) used to customize how objects are serialized to and deserialized from JSON. It is applied to serialization and deserialization operations via JsonConvert.SerializeObject and JsonConvert.DeserializeObject, or through a JsonSerializer instance created with the settings. The class allows developers to influence formatting, value handling, type information, references, date formatting, culture, and custom conversion logic.

Commonly configured aspects include: Formatting (None or Indented), NullValueHandling, DefaultValueHandling, MissingMemberHandling, ObjectCreationHandling, ReferenceLoopHandling, PreserveReferencesHandling, TypeNameHandling, DateFormatHandling, DateFormatString, DateParseHandling, Culture, Converters (a collection of JsonConverter instances), ContractResolver (for customizing property naming and serialization behavior), Binder, FloatFormatHandling, FloatParseHandling, StringEscapeHandling, MetadataPropertyHandling, and others. The Converters collection enables registration of custom converters to handle specific types during serialization and deserialization. The ContractResolver property allows changes to how object members are discovered and named, such as using camel case naming.

JsonSerializerSettings is distinct from the System.Text.Json library’s JsonSerializerOptions, serving a similar purpose within Json.NET. It is commonly used to tailor JSON output for interoperability, readability, or compatibility with existing schemas, and to implement bespoke serialization rules without altering the underlying data models. It is typically created once and reused across serialization operations to ensure consistent behavior.