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How to implement guide with json serialization in asp.net core web api causing 'circular reference' scenarios

👀 Views: 91 đŸ’Ŧ Answers: 1 📅 Created: 2025-06-07
aspnet-core json serialization web-api csharp

I'm migrating some code and I'm getting frustrated with I'm working on an ASP.NET Core 6 Web API that returns a complex object graph, but I'm working with a 'circular reference' behavior when trying to serialize a response. My object model includes several navigation properties that create a loop, and when I try to return the main object, the serialization fails with the behavior message: ``` Newtonsoft.Json.JsonSerializationException: Self referencing loop detected for property 'Child' with type 'MyNamespace.ChildModel'. Path 'Parent.Child' ``` I have tried using `JsonIgnore` on the navigation properties, but it seems like I'm still running into issues. Here's a simplified version of my models: ```csharp public class ParentModel { public int Id { get; set; } public string Name { get; set; } public virtual ChildModel Child { get; set; } } public class ChildModel { public int Id { get; set; } public string Description { get; set; } public virtual ParentModel Parent { get; set; } } ``` Additionally, I've attempted to configure the JSON serialization settings in `Startup.cs` like this: ```csharp services.AddControllers() .AddNewtonsoftJson(options => { options.SerializerSettings.ReferenceLoopHandling = ReferenceLoopHandling.Ignore; }); ``` Despite these efforts, the circular reference still seems to continue during serialization. I've also looked into using `System.Text.Json`, but I prefer to stick with Newtonsoft.Json for now due to its flexibility in handling complex types. Is there a better approach or best practice to handle this kind of scenario in ASP.NET Core? Any insights would be greatly appreciated! I appreciate any insights! Thanks for your help in advance!