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What are the text files and binary files in C language?
Files is collection of records (or) it is a place on hard disk, where data is stored permanently.
Types of Files
There are two types of files in C language which are as follows −
- Text file
- Binary File
Text File
It contains alphabets and numbers which are easily understood by human beings.
An error in a text file can be eliminated when seen.
In text file, the text and characters will store one char per byte.
For example, the integer value 4567 will occupy 2 bytes in memory, but, it will occupy 5 bytes in text file.
The data format is usually line-oriented. Here, each line is a separate command.
Binary file
It contains 1’s and 0’s, which are easily understood by computers.
The error in a binary file corrupts the file and is not easy to detect.
In binary file, the integer value 1245 will occupy 2 bytes in memory and in file.
A binary file always needs a matching software to read or write it.
For example, an MP3 file can be produced by a sound recorder or audio editor, and it can be played in a music player.
MP3 file will not play in an image viewer or a database software.
Files are classified into following
- Sequential files − Here, data is stored and retained in a sequential manner.
- Random access Files − Here, data is stored and retrieved in a random way.
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