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XDocument.Save() throws 'Object reference not set to an instance of an object' handling in .NET 6 with complex XML structure

πŸ‘€ Views: 60 πŸ’¬ Answers: 1 πŸ“… Created: 2025-06-09
xml dotnet xdocument csharp

I'm trying to debug I've been struggling with this for a few days now and could really use some help... I'm working with an XML document using `System.Xml.Linq.XDocument` in .NET 6, and I'm working with a frustrating scenario when trying to save the document. Specifically, when I reach the line `xDocument.Save(filePath);`, I get an `Object reference not set to an instance of an object` exception. The XML structure I'm working with is quite complex, and I've been unable to pinpoint the exact cause. Here’s some of the relevant code: ```csharp XDocument xDocument = new XDocument( new XElement("Root", new XElement("Child1", new XElement("SubChild1", "Value1"), new XElement("SubChild2", null) // Possible scenario here? ), new XElement("Child2", new XElement("SubChild1", "Value2") ) ) ); string filePath = "output.xml"; try { xDocument.Save(filePath); } catch (Exception ex) { Console.WriteLine(ex.Message); } ``` I've tried initializing all elements and making sure none of them are null, but the exception continues. I've also looked into using `XDocument.ToString()` before saving to see if it gives any clue, and that returns a well-formed XML string, which makes the scenario even more puzzling. Could it be related to the `null` value in `SubChild2` or something else? Any insights on how to resolve this would be greatly appreciated! My development environment is Linux. Am I missing something obvious? I'm coming from a different tech stack and learning Csharp. Thanks for your help in advance!