Java File Class

The File class in Java is used to represent the path of a file or folder. It helps in creating, deleting, and checking details of files or directories, but not in reading or writing data. It acts as an abstract representation of file and directory names in the system.

• Can retrieve parent directories using the getParent() method.
• A File object is created by passing a file or directory name to its constructor.
• File systems may impose access permissions (read, write, execute).
• File objects are immutable. Once created, their pathname cannot change.

How to Create a File Object 

A File object is created by passing in a string that represents the name of a file, a String or another File object.

Syntax

File file = new File("path_to_file");

Example 1: Program to check if a file or directory physically exists or not.

Output:

Display All Contents of a Directory

This program displays all files and subdirectories inside a given directory using the list() method.

Output:

Constructors of Java File Class

• File(File parent, String child): Creates a new File instance from a parent abstract pathname and a child pathname string.
• File(String pathname): Creates a new File instance by converting the given pathname string into an abstract pathname.
• File(String parent, String child): Creates a new File instance from a parent pathname string and a child pathname string.
• File(URI uri): Creates a new File instance by converting the given file: URI into an abstract pathname.

Fields in File Class

Methodsof File Class in Java