2. What is a file?
Up until now, any stored data within a
program is lost when the program
closes.
A file is a permanent way to store data
3. File Handling
Three types of file can be used for
storing data
SequentialSequential
RandomRandom
BinaryBinary
4. Sequential Files
Sequential files are useful for:
Storing text
Easy implementation in programs
Where real-time editing of file(s) is not
required
5. Random Files
Random file structures are useful for
Files that require real-time editing
Storing records
6. Binary Files
Binary Files are useful for
Storing numbers, programs and images
Where no defined file structure is
present
They will not be used in this course
7. Sequential Files
Have a universal standard format and
are used in text editors such as
windows notepad
Numerical data is stored as a string
e.g., 5.32 would be stored as “5.32”
They are read from start to finish and so
cannot be read and written to
simultaneously
8. Sequential Files
Data is ALWAYS written and retrieved
as CHARACTERS.
Hence, any number written in this
mode will result in the ASCII Value of
the
number being stored.
For Example, The Number 17 is stored
as two separate characters "1" and
"7".
Which means that 17 is stored as [ 49
55 ] and not as [ 17 ].
9. Sequential Files
Are like a one dimensional array
The text, ONE DAT might be stored as:
“ D TENO CR”A EO
F
11. Sequential Files
File OpenFile Open
If the file does not exist it is createdcreated
and then openedand then opened by the operating
system.
A portion of memory (RAM)memory (RAM) is
reserved by the Operating System.
12. Sequential Files
Processing a FileProcessing a File
When a file is open it can be written towritten to
or reador read from. (both in the case of
random and binary files)
Writing to a file will save it to backingbacking
store.store.
13. Sequential FilesSequential Files
Closing a fileClosing a file
When a file has been opened and
processed it must then be closedmust then be closed.
The Operating system will then
release the memory.release the memory.
14. Visual Basic
VB supports all three file types, but you
are only likely to use two of them
Text files
Random Access files
16. Sequential/Text Files
Input File opened for read-only access.
Output File opened for output which is only write-to
or create
Append The file is opened for adding new data to an
existing file. This is the default setting.
Random The file is open for random access. This is
writing or reading one record at a time.
Binary The file is opened in binary mode
17. Using the OpenFileDialog control
Dim Filename as String
OpenFileDialog1.ShowDialog()
Filename= OpenFileDialog1.Filename
lblFilename.Text = Filename
18. Opening FilesOpening Files
FileOpen(1, Filename, OpenMode.Input) ‘to read from the file
FileOpen(1, Filename, OpenMode.Output) ‘to write to the file
FileOpen(1, Filename, OpenMode.Append) ‘to write to the end of
the file
Note – 1 assigns the file the number 1. All files are
identified by a number, not by their name. If you have two
or more files open at once they must have different
numbers.
19. Opening Files
The FileOpen statement opens a file if it
exists. When you open a file to read
from it, an error results if it does not
exists. When you open a file to write to
it, if it doesn’t exist FileOpen first
creates it and opens it.
Filename contains the name and path
of the file
20. Opening (creating) a Sequential File
This algorithm would achieve this:
1.1. Enter FilenameEnter Filename
2.2. Open File for writingOpen File for writing
3.3. Input InformationInput Information
4.4. Save to fileSave to file
5.5. Close fileClose file
21. Opening (creating) a Sequential File
This algorithm would achieve this:
Enter FilenameEnter Filename
Open File for writingOpen File for writing
Input InformationInput Information
Save to fileSave to file
Close fileClose file
Filename= OpenFileDialog1.FileName
22. Opening (creating) a Sequential File
This algorithm would achieve this:
Enter FilenameEnter Filename
Open File for writingOpen File for writing
Input InformationInput Information
Save to fileSave to file
Close fileClose file
FileOpen(1, Filename, OpenMode.Output)
23. Writeline(1, DataToBeWritten)
Opening (creating) a Sequential File
This algorithm would achieve this:
Enter FilenameEnter Filename
Open File for writingOpen File for writing
Input InformationInput Information
Save to fileSave to file
Close fileClose file
24. Opening (creating) a Sequential File
This algorithm would achieve this:
Enter FilenameEnter Filename
Open File for writingOpen File for writing
Input InformationInput Information
Save to fileSave to file
Close fileClose file
FileClose (1)
25. Opening a sequential fileOpening a sequential file
The final code would look like:
Dim Filename as string
‘File manipulation Program
‘Create File
Private sub cmdCreateFile_Click()
OpenFileDialog1.ShowDialog()
Filename = FileDialog1.FileName
FileOpen(1,Filename, OpenMode.Output)
WriteLine(1,DataToBeWritten)
FileClose (1)
End Sub