Make web api serialize dictionary with the key value as key using data attribute
asp.net, asp.net-mvc-3, asp.net-web-api, c#, json.net
Solution
I managed to get it to work in the end.
Problem was that it was still using the `DataContractJsonSerializer`. I added a line removing the formatters before adding the `JsonNetFormatter` and it now serializes correctly.
GlobalConfiguration.Configuration.Formatters.Remove(GlobalConfiguration.Configuration.Formatters.JsonFormatter);
GlobalConfiguration.Configuration.Formatters.Add(new JsonNetFormatter(null));
(I am using the beta release which still uses the DataContractJsonSerializer)
Problem
I have a dictionary which I am serializing using the json.net serializer, and it is currently producing ``` {"phrases":[{"Key":"my-key1","Value":"blah"},{"Key":"my-key2","Value":"blah2"}]} ``` however I want it to output ``` {"phrases":["my-key1":"blah"},{"my-key2":"blah2"}]} ``` my model looks like ``` public class Phrases { public Dictionary<string, string> phrases; } ``` Is there a data attribute I can apply to the phrases model to cause this to happen? I found the following but don't want to be returning a string Serialize into a key-value dictionary with Json.Net? UPDATE: I am extending the web api controller as follows, if I use JsonConvert.SerializeObject() I do get the correct serialization , however I would then have a string to return. ``` public class PhraseController : ApiController { private IApplicationModel applicationModel; public Phrases Get(string id) { var locale = new CultureInfo(id).LCID; var phrases = applicationModel.Phrases.Where(x => x.Locale = locale).ToDictionary(x => x.Name, y => y.Value); return new Phrases() { phrases = phrases }; } public PhraseController(IApplicationModel applicationModel) { this.applicationModel = applicationModel; } } ```