Does this code qualify as a Quine in Java?

Question

Here's the code. It basically reads from the original code file and prints onto the terminal.

import java.io.*;
public class Quine
{
    static void Quine() throws IOException
    {
        FileReader fr = new FileReader("C:/Quine.java");        
        BufferedReader br = new BufferedReader(fr);
        String s = "";
        while((s = br.readLine()) != null)
        {
           System.out.println(s);
        }
    }
}

Practically, it works just fine, producing the same exact code as output. But by definition, does it qualify as a quine? Considering I'm still passing a file to it as a parameter. Despite it being a programmer-specified and not a user-entered input, is it still considered an input?

it would only print the code of the class Quine anyways (not the source actually needed to make it runnable)... Where is your main method? — Willi Mentzel, Dec 01 '15 at 11:27
additionally it would not qualify as a quine because the whole conept here depends on the fact the the source is located at "C:\Quine.java". Run it from somewhere else and it is broken. — Willi Mentzel, Jun 30 '16 at 12:49

score 6 · Accepted Answer · edited Dec 01 '15 at 11:24

6

It is not considered a valid quine, you have to avoid any I/O operation.

Opening the source code to print it out it's the first cheat to avoid!

edited Dec 01 '15 at 11:24

Willi Mentzel

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answered Dec 01 '15 at 11:24

Giuseppe Ricupero

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2

Here is an example of a Quine: http://blogs.adobe.com/charles/2011/01/my-adventure-writing-my-first-quine-in-java.html – Adriaan Koster Dec 01 '15 at 14:04
Thanks! So basically, the code has to contain the code. That's...messed up. – Ronit Ray Dec 01 '15 at 14:46

Willi Mentzel · Answer 2 · 2016-06-30T12:47:53.617

2

It would only print the code of the class Quine anyways (not the source actually needed to make it runnable - the main method). So, no it is not a Quine.

A quine is a non-empty computer program which takes no input and produces a copy of its own source code as its only output.

edited Jun 30 '16 at 12:47

answered Dec 01 '15 at 11:28

Willi Mentzel

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Does this code qualify as a Quine in Java?

2 Answers2