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Java I/O Streams

In Java, an I/O Stream is a sequence of data that flows from a source to a destination. The concept of streams abstracts the complexities of data transfer, allowing developers to focus on the logic rather than the underlying mechanisms. Streams can handle data in the form of bytes or characters, making them suitable for various use cases.

Types of Java I/O Streams

Java I/O Streams are broadly categorized into two types based on the type of data they handle:

  1. Byte Streams: These streams handle raw binary data, making them ideal for reading and writing files, images, and other binary data. Byte streams work with 8-bit bytes and are part of the java.io package.

  2. Character Streams: These streams are designed for handling text data. They work with 16-bit Unicode characters, making them suitable for internationalized text. Character streams are also part of the java.io package.

Java I/O Stream Diagram

Additionally, streams can be classified based on their direction:

  • Input Streams: Used to read data from a source.
  • Output Streams: Used to write data to a destination.