Reading files is a common task in Java development, and understanding the various methods available can help us choose the most appropriate one for our use case. This article will explore three different approaches: getResourceAsStream vs FileInputStream, and Files.newInputStream(). We will compare their usage, discuss when each method is most suitable, and provide code examples to illustrate their differences.
1. getResourceAsStream() Method
The getResourceAsStream() method is part of the Class and ClassLoader classes and is used to load resources (such as files) that are packaged within an application’s classpath. This method is particularly useful when dealing with files bundled within JAR files or located in the src/main/resources directory of a project. Some use cases include:
- Accessing configuration files, properties, or other resources packaged within an application’s JAR or classpath.
- Loading files in a platform-independent way, without worrying about absolute file paths.
Advantages:
- Classpath Resources: Ideal for reading files that are bundled with our application’s resources.
- Portability: Works seamlessly across different environments (e.g., JAR, WAR).
- No Absolute Paths Required: Since it reads from the classpath, it avoids the need for hardcoding absolute paths.
Disadvantages:
- Limited to Classpath: It can only access files within the classpath, making it unsuitable for files outside the classpath.
public class ResourceLoaderExample {
public static void main(String[] args) {
// Load the resource using getResourceAsStream
try (InputStream inputStream = ResourceLoaderExample.class.getResourceAsStream("/config.properties");
BufferedReader reader = new BufferedReader(new InputStreamReader(inputStream))) {
String line;
while ((line = reader.readLine()) != null) {
System.out.println(line);
}
} catch (IOException e) {
System.out.println("Error reading file" + e);
}
}
}
In this example:
- The
getResourceAsStream("/config.properties")method loads theconfig.propertiesfile from the classpath. - The resource is read as an
InputStream, which is then wrapped in aBufferedReaderfor line-by-line reading. - Since the resource is part of the classpath, this method works seamlessly whether the application is run from an IDE, a JAR file, or a web container.
Note: The config.properties file should be located in the application’s classpath, typically in the src/main/resources folder. This ensures that it can be accessed using the getResourceAsStream() method.
2. FileInputStream Class
The FileInputStream class is a basic file reading mechanism that operates directly on files located on the file system. Unlike getResourceAsStream(), FileInputStream requires an absolute or relative path to the file on the disk. Use cases include:
- Reading files located outside the classpath, such as in the file system.
- Situations where the file location is known and can be referenced directly.
public class FileInputStreamExample {
public static void main(String[] args) {
// File path to be read
String filePath = "/Users/path/to/config.properties";
// Load the file using FileInputStream
try (FileInputStream fileInputStream = new FileInputStream(filePath);
BufferedReader reader = new BufferedReader(new InputStreamReader(fileInputStream))) {
String line;
while ((line = reader.readLine()) != null) {
System.out.println(line);
}
} catch (IOException e) {
}
}
}
This example reads a config.properties file from a directory using FileInputStream.
FileInputStreamrequires a direct file path, which means the file must exist on the disk where the application is running.- This method is less flexible than
getResourceAsStream()because it doesn’t handle files packaged within JARs or classpaths.
Advantages:
- Filesystem Access: We can access any filesystem file, provided we have the correct path and permissions.
- Simplicity: Straightforward to use for reading files from disk.
Disadvantages:
- Performance: Can be less efficient in terms of memory and performance compared to modern alternatives.
- Error-Prone: Requires careful handling of absolute paths and closing resources.
3. Files.newInputStream() Method
The Files.newInputStream() method is part of the NIO (New I/O) package introduced in Java 7. It offers a more modern and flexible way to read files, with better memory management and performance compared to FileInputStream. Use cases include:
- Reading files in a more efficient and modern way.
- Handling large files or scenarios where non-blocking I/O is beneficial.
- Situations where enhanced features of the NIO package (like file attributes and better exception handling) are needed.
public class FilesNewInputStreamExample {
public static void main(String[] args) {
// File path to be read
Path filePath = Paths.get("/Users/path/to/config.properties");
// Load the file using Files.newInputStream
try (InputStream inputStream = Files.newInputStream(filePath);
BufferedReader reader = new BufferedReader(new InputStreamReader(inputStream))) {
String line;
while ((line = reader.readLine()) != null) {
System.out.println(line);
}
} catch (IOException e) {
}
}
}
In this example, the Files.newInputStream() method is used to read the config.properties file which offers better performance and flexibility compared to FileInputStream.
Files.newInputStream()provides a more modern API for reading files compared toFileInputStream.- It is often preferred because of its improved performance, better memory management, and the added benefits of working with NIO features like
Path.
Advantages:
- Memory Efficiency: More efficient in terms of memory usage compared to
FileInputStream. - Performance: Offers better performance, especially with large files.
- Flexibility: Provides more options for configuring file access, such as specifying file attributes or options.
Disadvantages:
- Complexity: Slightly more complex than
FileInputStream, though the benefits usually outweigh this drawback.
3.1 Why Files.newInputStream() Is Recommended Over FileInputStream
While FileInputStream is a tried and trusted method for reading files, Files.newInputStream() is generally recommended due to its superior memory management and performance. Here are some reasons why:
- Improved Performance:
Files.newInputStream()is optimized for better performance, especially with large files, by leveraging thejava.nio.filepackage’s more modern and efficient I/O mechanisms. - Memory Efficiency:
Files.newInputStream()uses less memory compared toFileInputStream, which can be crucial when working with large files or resource-constrained environments. - Enhanced Flexibility:
Files.newInputStream()allows us to specify file attributes and options, giving us greater control over file access.
4. Comparison Summary (getResourceAsStream vs FileInputStream)
| Feature/Aspect | getResourceAsStream() | FileInputStream | Files.newInputStream() |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classpath Support | Yes | No | No |
| JAR Compatibility | Yes | No | No |
| Flexibility | High (classpath resources) | Low (requires file system path) | Medium (file system with NIO advantages) |
| Performance | Depends on use case | Basic, potentially less efficient | Depends on the use case |
| Modern API | No (older, classpath-specific) | No (older, file system-specific) | Yes (NIO package with additional features) |
| Use Case | Bundled resources, configuration files | File system files | Modern file handling, large files, performance |
5. Conclusion
Choosing the right file reading method in Java depends on your specific use case. If we are dealing with resources bundled within our application’s classpath, getResourceAsStream() is the way to go. For direct file system access, FileInputStream is a straightforward but somewhat outdated choice. However, for modern applications, Files.newInputStream() is often the preferred method due to its enhanced performance, flexibility, and alignment with the NIO package.
6. Download the Source Code
This article covered getResourceAsStream() vs FileInputStream methods in Java.
You can download the full source code of this example here: Java getresourceasstream vs fileinputstream
