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.