Difference Between FileReader and BufferedReader in Java

filereader vs. bufferedreader in java: a deep dive

both `filereader` and `bufferedreader` are crucial classes in java for reading data from files. while they serve the same general purpose, they operate differently and are suitable for distinct scenarios. understanding their differences is key to writing efficient and performant file i/o code.

**core difference: buffering**

the most significant difference lies in **buffering**.

* **filereader:** reads data **directly** from the file, one character at a time. this means each read operation results in a call to the underlying operating system's file system. direct access to the file on every small read can be incredibly slow due to the overhead of repeated system calls.

* **bufferedreader:** reads data in **bulk** (e.g., a buffer of 8192 characters by default) into an internal memory buffer. subsequent read operations retrieve data from this buffer, avoiding repeated calls to the operating system. when the buffer is empty, it refills from the file in one large operation. this buffering dramatically improves read performance, especially for character-based i/o.

**analogy:**

imagine you need to move a pile of bricks from one place to another.

* **filereader:** you pick up one brick at a time and carry it. this is slow and tiring.

* **bufferedreader:** you load several bricks onto a wheelbarrow (the buffer) and move the whole wheelbarrow. this is much more efficient because you make fewer trips.

**key characteristics and use cases:**

let's examine each class in detail:

**1. filereader**

* **purpose:** to read character data from files directly.
* **mechanism:** reads characters one at a time directly from the file.
* **buffering:** no internal buffering. reads directly from the file system on each `read()` call.
* **performance:** generally slower than bufferedreader, especially for large files or frequent reads.
* **encoding:** assumes the platform's default character encoding. you can't specify a di ...

#FileReader #BufferedReader #dictionaries
FileReader
BufferedReader
Java I/O
character streams
byte streams
performance comparison
memory efficiency
input buffering
data reading
exception handling
stream processing
file handling
text file reading
Java programming
I/O classes