How can I put quotes in a string?

Question

I need to write a string literal to a text file, but the C# compiler finds errors when I use quote characters in it.

My current code:

writeText.WriteLine("<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>");

I need the output for the text file to be:

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>

How can I put quote characters in strings in C#?

If you are creating XML then you shouldn't use a text writer like that. Use an XmlWriter instead to generate the XML correctly. — Dirk Vollmar
– Dirk Vollmar, Commented May 26, 2010 at 8:21

Guffa · Accepted Answer · 2010-05-26 08:04:38Z

26

You need to escape the quotation marks to put them in a string. There is two ways of doing this. Using backslashes in a regular string:

writeText.WriteLine("<?xml version=\"1.0\" encoding=\"utf-8\"?>");

Using double quoation marks in a @-delimited string:

writeText.WriteLine(@"<?xml version=""1.0"" encoding=""utf-8""?>");

answered May 26, 2010 at 8:04

Guffa

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2 Comments

BlackTigerX Over a year ago

The second form (@-delimited string) is called a verbatim string literal msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa691090(v=vs.71).aspx

Hex Over a year ago

That documentation link has been retired, try this one.

Glorfindel · Accepted Answer · 2022-07-02 08:32:33Z

9

Try

writeText.WriteLine("<?xml version=\"1.0\" encoding=\"utf-8\"?>");

Have a look at "What character escape sequences are available?" of the C# FAQ

edited Jul 2, 2022 at 8:32

Glorfindel

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answered May 26, 2010 at 8:01

Binary Worrier

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2 Comments

Binary Worrier Over a year ago

Thanks, you really should 'accept' answers, in this case mine or Guffas, they are both correct :)

riad Over a year ago

yes both of you r right.but some times i was too busy..to do it..i really sorry for that..thanks for remind me..

Arto Viitanen · Accepted Answer · 2010-05-27 05:19:04Z

3

Since to XML both " and ' can used, try

writeText.WriteLine("<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>");

answered May 27, 2010 at 5:19

Arto Viitanen

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