File Class and FileInfo Class
Part of my 2008 study notes for exam 70-536 (.NET Framework 2.0).
Overview
- FileInfo
- Extends FileSystemInfo with file specific operations.
- It is possible to create a FileInfo object for a non-existent file.
- File
- Contains static methods allowing you to perform operations without a FileInfo instance.
- Most methods perform atomic operations when writing and reading files.
Examples
Encrypt File
FileInfo a = new FileInfo(@"\\davidcxp\Public\Hello.txt");
a.Encrypt();
// At this point, the file will be encrypted at NTFS level
// When you have colors enabled in Explorer, it'll be green.
a.Decrypt();
Replace & Backup File
FileInfo a = new FileInfo(@"C:\Public\Hello.txt");
// Moves Hello.txt to OtherHello.txt and backs up OtherHello.txt to BackupHello.txt
// Hello.txt and OtherHello.txt has to exist.
// Replace performs a call to ReplaceFile in kernel32.dll in the background
a.Replace(@"C:\Public\OtherHello.txt", @"C:\Public\BackupHello.txt");
Non-Existent File
FileInfo a = new FileInfo(@"C:\Public\bla.txt");
Console.WriteLine(a.Exists);
Writing Files
File.WriteAllText(@"C:\Public\Test.txt", "Hello"); // Overwrites Test.txt if it exists
File.AppendAllText(@"C:\Public\Test.txt", " There!"); // Appends or creates Text.txt
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