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0c Create File

The document explains file handling in C, specifically how to create, open, read, and write to files using the FILE data type and the fopen() function. It details the usage of the 'w' mode for file creation and emphasizes the importance of closing files with fclose() to ensure data is saved and memory is managed properly. Additional tips for specifying file paths are also provided.

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darrylyann5
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3 views

0c Create File

The document explains file handling in C, specifically how to create, open, read, and write to files using the FILE data type and the fopen() function. It details the usage of the 'w' mode for file creation and emphasizes the importance of closing files with fclose() to ensure data is saved and memory is managed properly. Additional tips for specifying file paths are also provided.

Uploaded by

darrylyann5
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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C Files

File Handling
In C, you can create, open, read, and write to files by declaring a pointer of
type FILE, and use the fopen() function:

FILE *fptr
fptr = fopen(filename, mode);

FILE is basically a data type, and we need to create a pointer variable to work
with it (fptr). For now, this line is not important. It's just something you need
when working with files.

To actually open a file, use the fopen() function, which takes two parameters:

Create a File
To create a file, you can use the w mode inside the fopen() function.

The w mode is used to write to a file. However, if the file does not exist, it
will create one for you:

Example
FILE *fptr;

// Create a file
fptr = fopen("filename.txt", "w");

// Close the file


fclose(fptr);
Note: The file is created in the same directory as your other C files, if nothing
else is specified.

On our computer, it looks like this:

#include <stdio.h>

int main() {
FILE *fptr;

// Create a file on your computer (filename.txt)


fptr = fopen("filename.txt", "w");

// Close the file


fclose(fptr);

return 0;
}

Tip: If you want to create the file in a specific folder, just provide an absolute
path:

fptr = fopen("C:\directoryname\filename.txt", "w");

Closing the file


Did you notice the fclose() function in our example above?

This will close the file when we are done with it.

It is considered as good practice, because it makes sure that:

 Changes are saved properly


 Other programs can use the file (if you want)
 Clean up unnecessary memory space
In the next chapters, you will learn how to write content to a file and read
from it.

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