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File Handling

The document provides an overview of file handling in C++, emphasizing its importance for data persistence and efficient data management. It explains the use of the <fstream> library, file streams (ifstream, ofstream, fstream), and various file modes for reading and writing data. Additionally, it includes examples of writing and reading formatted data, along with best practices for file handling.

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1 views5 pages

File Handling

The document provides an overview of file handling in C++, emphasizing its importance for data persistence and efficient data management. It explains the use of the <fstream> library, file streams (ifstream, ofstream, fstream), and various file modes for reading and writing data. Additionally, it includes examples of writing and reading formatted data, along with best practices for file handling.

Uploaded by

onexhet
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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1.

Introduction to File Handling


What is File Handling?

File handling in C++ allows us to store and retrieve data from files permanently. Instead of
relying on user input every time, we can store and read data from a file.

Why Use File Handling?

• Data Persistence: Stores data beyond program execution.


• Efficient Data Management: Handles large datasets.
• Inter-Process Communication: Data sharing between different programs.

2. File Streams in C++


C++ provides the <fstream> library to work with files. The main file handling classes are:

Stream Class Description


ifstream Input file stream (reading from a file)
ofstream Output file stream (writing to a file)
fstream General file stream (both reading and writing)

To use file handling in C++, include the <fstream> library.

#include <iostream>
#include <fstream>
using namespace std;

3. Opening and Closing Files


Before working with files, we need to open and close them properly.

Opening a File

We use the .open() function to open a file.

ofstream outFile;
outFile.open("example.txt"); // Opens a file for writing

Closing a File

Always close a file after use to free system resources.


outFile.close(); // Closes the file

Alternatively, we can use file objects directly:

ofstream outFile("example.txt"); // Opens file


outFile << "Hello, File Handling!"; // Writes data
outFile.close(); // Closes file

4. Writing Data to a File


To write data into a file, we use the ofstream class.

#include <iostream>
#include <fstream>
using namespace std;

int main() {
ofstream outFile("data.txt"); // Open file for writing

if (outFile.is_open()) {
outFile << "John 25" << endl;
outFile << "Alice 30" << endl;
outFile.close();
cout << "Data written to file successfully." << endl;
} else {
cout << "Error opening file!" << endl;
}

return 0;
}

Explanation:

• The program creates and opens data.txt.


• It writes two lines of formatted text.
• It ensures the file is closed properly.

5. Reading Data from a File


To read data, we use the ifstream class.

#include <iostream>
#include <fstream>
using namespace std;

int main() {
ifstream inFile("data.txt"); // Open file for reading
string name;
int age;

if (inFile.is_open()) {
while (inFile >> name >> age) {
cout << "Name: " << name << ", Age: " << age << endl;
}
inFile.close();
} else {
cout << "Error opening file!" << endl;
}

return 0;
}

Explanation:

• The program opens data.txt for reading.


• It reads and displays each line.

6. File Modes in C++


Mode Description
ios::in Opens file for reading
ios::out Opens file for writing (overwrites existing data)
ios::app Opens file in append mode (adds data at the end)
ios::ate Opens file at the end
ios::trunc Truncates file if it exists

Example: Using ios::app Mode


#include <iostream>
#include <fstream>
using namespace std;

int main() {
ofstream outFile("data.txt", ios::app); // Append mode

if (outFile.is_open()) {
outFile << "New Data Entry" << endl;
outFile.close();
cout << "Data appended successfully." << endl;
} else {
cout << "Error opening file!" << endl;
}

return 0;
}

Key Difference: Unlike ios::out, the ios::app mode adds new data instead of
overwriting.

7. Writing and Reading Formatted Data


C++ supports both formatted (structured) and unformatted (raw) file handling.

Formatted Writing
#include <fstream>
using namespace std;

int main() {
ofstream outFile("formatted.txt");
int id = 101;
double price = 99.99;

outFile << "ID: " << id << ", Price: $" << price << endl;
outFile.close();
return 0;
}

Formatted Reading
#include <fstream>
#include <iostream>
using namespace std;

int main() {
ifstream inFile("formatted.txt");
string line;

while (getline(inFile, line)) {


cout << line << endl;
}
inFile.close();
return 0;
}

8. Problem-Solving Examples
Example 1: Writing Student Records to a File
#include <iostream>
#include <fstream>
using namespace std;

int main() {
ofstream outFile("students.txt");
string name;
int age;

for (int i = 0; i < 3; i++) {


cout << "Enter name: ";
cin >> name;
cout << "Enter age: ";
cin >> age;
outFile << name << " " << age << endl;
}
outFile.close();
return 0;
}

Explanation:

• The program takes 3 student records and writes them to students.txt.

Example 2: Reading Student Records from a File


#include <iostream>
#include <fstream>
using namespace std;

int main() {
ifstream inFile("students.txt");
string name;
int age;

while (inFile >> name >> age) {


cout << "Name: " << name << ", Age: " << age << endl;
}
inFile.close();
return 0;
}

Explanation:

• The program reads and displays student records from students.txt.

9. Best Practices in File Handling


✅ Always check if a file is open before reading/writing.
✅ Close files after operations to free system resources.
✅ Use ios::app mode to prevent overwriting.
✅ Handle file errors properly using conditions.

10. Summary
• File Handling is essential for persistent data storage.
• File Streams: ifstream, ofstream, and fstream.
• Modes: ios::in, ios::out, ios::app, etc.
• Formatted & Unformatted file operations.
• Problem-Solving: Writing and reading structured data.

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