Polymorphism in Web API: Single endpoint possible?

Question

I realize that the Web API is REST focused, but I would still like to configure a single controller method that can handle a Command/Response scenario. So far I haven\'t been s

Answer 1

In order for polymorphism to work in Web API, you will need to enable type name handling and the data has to contain the type information.

You'll need to turn on TypeNameHandling in WebApiConfig.cs if you're using JSON in your scenario:

config.Formatters.JsonFormatter.SerializerSettings.TypeNameHandling = 
    Newtonsoft.Json.TypeNameHandling.All;

Then, the content body that you are sending to your HandleCommand(...) action must contain the type information:

{"$type":"MvcApplication.Models.RegisterNewPersonCommand, MvcApplication", ... }

For XML, you'll need to use DataContract's KnownType...

By the way, is there any specific reason why you are using [Serializable] (since POCO types and [DataContract] types are also supported...)?