File Handling Basics
A large program deployed for heavy applications cannot function without files, since we can get input from them as well as print output from them very easily. We can also save a lot of program space by accessing the file's data only when needed, making the program more efficient and faster.
Why do we need to handle files in C?
- Files are used to store content hence reducing the actual program's size.
- We can read or access data from files.
- The data in files remain stored even after the program's execution is terminated.
Files are stored in non-volatile memory. To understand what a non-volatile memory is and how it is better in terms of storing things for longer, we have to see the differences between volatile and non-volatile memory.
| VOLATILE MEMORY | NON-VOLATILE MEMORY |
|---|---|
| The data can only remain in the system while the computer’s power is on. | The data remains in the program even after the computer’s power is off. It gets retrieved after the system gets on again. |
| Volatile memory can only hold information when there is a constant power supply. | Non-volatile memory can also hold information even in case of non-constant power supply. |
| Data gets held for a short period in case of volatile memory. | Data gets held for a longer term in case of non-volatile memory. |
| RAM is an example | Hard Disk is an example. |
What are the different types of files?
There are two types of files:
- Binary Files: Binary files store data in 01 i.e., binary format. They are not directly readable. In order to read binary files, you will need software or an application. An example of a binary file is a .bin file.
- Text Files: Text files store data in a simple text format. They are directly readable and no external software is required to access them. An example of a text file is a .txt file.