Reference a Text File with relative path in Java with the IntelliJ IDEA

Question

I have a program that reads numbers from a .txt file. My problem is where to place this file, or how to reference it with a relative path to make this file accessible without using the absolute path.

Fran · Accepted Answer · 2022-12-05T16:31:39.723

19

When you try to open a file, it takes your current working path. For example this working tree:

Project
|->src
|   |-->MyClass.java
|   |-->MyFile1.txt
|->res
   |->files
     |-->MyFile2.txt

You can use new File("MyFile1.txt"); for MyFile1.

or

new File("./res/files/MyFile2.txt"); for MyFile2.

edited Dec 05 '22 at 16:31

answered Jun 10 '15 at 20:29

Fran

521
4
20

And of course import your text file to your working directory – Fran Jun 10 '15 at 20:31

score 7 · Answer 2 · answered May 19 '18 at 16:11

7

You need to start your path from src. "src/your/path/file.txt". See my answer here

answered May 19 '18 at 16:11

Ashwin

7,277
1
48
70

score 5 · Answer 3 · answered Aug 24 '20 at 04:12

5

If you have a multi-project setup, it may not be obvious what the "root" directory is for a relative path. In that case, open the Terminal tab in your IntelliJ and see what directory it lands in. That is the "root" directory. Your relative path should start there.

answered Aug 24 '20 at 04:12

Big Pumpkin

3,907
1
27
18

This was the answer that I am looking for! Thanks @Big Pumpkin – korayguney Feb 21 '21 at 07:41

score 0 · Answer 4 · answered Mar 12 '23 at 01:46

0

@Big Pumpkin Not sure about the terminal showing me the path of the "root". But it does turn out to be the top most directory in a multi-module project.

answered Mar 12 '23 at 01:46

Sasha Kolsky

432
1
5
14

score 0 · Answer 5 · answered Aug 26 '23 at 18:29

0

If file1.txt in 'src' it will have path as "src\main\java\file1.txt". Relative path starts from src.

answered Aug 26 '23 at 18:29

Aswin T B

1

Reference a Text File with relative path in Java with the IntelliJ IDEA

5 Answers5