Path and Files (NIO.2)

Learn the NIO.2 Path and Files API.

Path and Paths

With NIO.2 file paths are represented as Path objects. Paths.get("data", "file.txt") joins the parts and returns a Path; the separator is chosen for the operating system.

From a Path you get many things: getNameCount gives the number of path elements, getFileName the last element, getParent the parent path. Unlike the old File class, a path is just an address; actual file operations go through the Files class. This separates the path from the operation.

The Files class

The Files class performs operations on a Path. Most methods are static: Files.exists(p) checks presence, Files.size(p) gives the size, Files.readAllBytes(p) returns the content as bytes.

Example: Files.exists(Paths.get("log.txt")) returns true if the file exists. Files.createFile(p) creates a new file. These methods can throw IOException, so a throws declaration or try-catch is needed. Path holds only the address; Files does the real disk work.

Exercise Print the path element count

Create a Path with Paths.get("kayit", "veri.txt"). Print the getNameCount result with System.out.println.

Show example solution

import java.nio.file.Path;
import java.nio.file.Paths;

public class PathDemo {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        Path p = Paths.get("kayit", "veri.txt");
        System.out.println(p.getNameCount());
    }
}

Test yourself

Match the Path concepts

Paths.get

Builds a path
Path

Path abstraction
getNameCount

Element count
getFileName

Last element

Complete the Paths.get call

Path p = Paths.____("kayit", "veri.txt");

Show answer

Path p = Paths.get("kayit", "veri.txt");

What does Paths.get(...) return?
- A String
- A Path
- A Channel
- A ByteBuffer
Show answer

A Path — Paths.get returns a Path object.

Next lesson: Summary - NIO

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