C++ from Scratch: C++ from Scratch by R. Raphael

Author:R., Raphael
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2024-01-05T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 9: File Manipulation in C++

In this chapter, you will learn how to manipulate files in C++. File manipulation is a crucial part of programming because it allows you to read and write data to external files, which is useful for storing persistent information.

### Opening a File

To open a file in C++, you use the ` fstream` class . There are three main ways to open a file:

- Reading Mode (` ios :: in`): Opens the file for reading.

- Write Mode (` ios :: out`): Opens the file for writing.

- Append Mode (` ios :: app`): Opens the file for writing, but adds new data to the end of the file.

Here is how to open a file for reading:

``` cpp

#include <fstream> _

int main ( ) {

std :: fstream file("example.txt", std :: ios ::in);

if ( file.is_ open ( )) {

// The file was opened successfully, you can read data here

} else {

// The file could not be opened

}

file.close (); // Close the file when finished

return 0;

}

```

### Reading and Writing to Files

To read data from a file, you can use input operators (`>>`) or read functions. For example:

``` cpp

int number ;

file >> number ; // Read a number from the file

```

To write data to a file, use output operators (`<<`) or write functions. For example:

``` cpp

int number = 42;

file << number ; // Write the number to the file

```

### Checking File Status

Always check the file status after opening or operating on it to ensure the operation was successful. You can do this using the ` is_open ( ) ` and ` fail ()` functions.

### Manipulating Text and Binary Files

C++ allows you to manipulate both text and binary files. The choice depends on the type of data you are storing. Text files are human readable while binary files store data directly in binary format.

### Conclusion

File manipulation is an essential skill in programming. You can use it to store and retrieve persistent data, such as application settings or game information. Make sure you understand how to open, read, and write files in C++ to be a more versatile programmer.

In the next chapter, we will cover exception and error handling, which is important for dealing with unexpected situations in your program. Keep practicing file manipulation to strengthen your skills.

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