File Not Created in Java

Question

I'm sure I'm missing something basic here. I'm trying to create a new file on my drive, but I'm getting an error:

Exception in thread "main" java.io.FileNotFoundException: C:\ProgramData\msena\test.txt (The system cannot find the file specified)
at java.io.FileInputStream.open(Native Method)
at java.io.FileInputStream.<init>(FileInputStream.java:120)
at java.io.FileReader.<init>(FileReader.java:55)
at net.meosoft.relatetoit.core.HibernateSessionFactory.main(HibernateSessionFactory.java:89)

My code at the moment is:

    final File file = new File("C:\\ProgramData\\uname2\\test.txt");
    final BufferedReader in = new BufferedReader(new FileReader(file));
    while(in.ready()) {
        System.out.println(in.readLine());
    }
    in.close();

What's wrong at the moment? I want to just read, even if it's there (so file should be made).

The issue is pretty obvious. The `C:\ProgramData\msena\test.txt` does not exist in this location, so you can't open to read it. Check if the file is actually there or make sure you have permission to read the file. — CoolBeans, Aug 14 '12 at 01:07
Possible duplicate of [How to create a file in a directory in java?](https://stackoverflow.com/questions/6142901/how-to-create-a-file-in-a-directory-in-java) — Bernhard Barker, Mar 25 '18 at 08:45

score 9 · Accepted Answer · answered Aug 14 '12 at 01:06

9

Java doesn't automatically check that File() exists, nor will it automatically create it if you ask it.

You'll need to do one of the following:

Add in a check for the file's existence: if(file.exists()) { ... }.
Add in a check, similar to above, but then if it doesn't exist, call: file.createNewFile();. This will make a new file on the file system for you to use.

If that still doesn't work, I'd check you have write permissions to that directory. :)

answered Aug 14 '12 at 01:06

Michael

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That looks right.... sigh. I wish it could create on initialize. I missed that... – halphhurts Aug 14 '12 at 01:12
No worries; just flag the question when you're done. Welcome to stack overflow :P – Michael Aug 14 '12 at 01:13
I personally thought that just calling the constructor new File will actually create a file, but I was surprised when I called `file.exists()` and it returned `false`, I am not sure why new File does not create a file. – Bionix1441 Sep 13 '17 at 08:08

score 2 · Answer 2 · answered Aug 14 '12 at 01:06

2

The File class represents the path to a file, not the file itself. If the file does not exist (!File.exists()), an exception will be thrown when you try to access it. Make sure the path to the file is correct and that you have permission to read from that location.

If you want to create the file, you can use File.createNewFile().

answered Aug 14 '12 at 01:06

Jeffrey

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ProgramData doesn't have a space in it on my box. – user207421 Aug 14 '12 at 01:09
It does on mine; it's a Win7 thing. Have C:\ProgramData\, and then a stack of application folders. – Michael Aug 14 '12 at 01:11

score 0 · Answer 3 · answered Aug 14 '12 at 01:17

this is the method to create file.

Formatter output;//pointer to an object that will write to a file
public void createFile(){
try{
  output = new Formatter("C:\\ProgramData\\uname2\\test.txt");
  //test.txt is the name of the file to be created
  //create file in the same folder called test.txt
  //if existed overwrite it
    }
  catch(FileNotFoundException e){
  System.err.println("Error creating file"+e.getMessage());
 }

call createFile() in the main

 CreateTextFile file = new CreateTextFile();
 file.createFile();

score 0 · Answer 4 · answered Feb 17 '17 at 10:04

0

Check your file name. It should not contain any colon.

answered Feb 17 '17 at 10:04

Fazal

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File Not Created in Java

4 Answers4

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