Find where Java loads files from?

Question

Hey Folks,

I was just wondering if there is a way to find out where a java program will be searching for files.

I am trying to load a settings file with FileInputStream fstream = new FileInputStream("ldaplookup.ini"); but it is throwing a File not found error. The ini file is in the same folder as the class file but i am assuming it is searching somewhere else.

Thanks, -Pete

Answer 1

Java loads files from the current working directory for a relative path. If you want to see what is, try this:

System.out.println(System.getProperty("user.dir"));

Answer 2

Since "new FileInputStream("ldaplookup.ini");" is equivalent to "new FileInputStream("./ldaplookup.ini");", you could try:

System.out.println(new File(".").getAbsolutePath());

Answer 3

FileInputStream looks up the file relative to the path of execution. If the resource file is in the same folder as the class, you can try using:

InputStream stream = this.getClass().getResourceAsStream("ldaplookup.ini");

Answer 4

A much more reliable method to read files that are distributed with your classes is to use Class.getResourceAsStream() - it will look in the directory in the classpath where the class you're calling it on is situated, and it will even work when everything is packaged in a JAR file.

Answer 5

Not direct answer but a helpful alternative:

You can use a resource bundle instead.

 rename ldaplookup.ini to ldaploopup.properties

And load it with:

 ResourceBundle bundle = ResouceBundle.getBundle("ldaplookup");


 String s = bundle.getString("url");

ResourceBundle search in the classpath for a .properties file among other strategies.

Etc. etc.

p.s.

To know what is the base path for your program try ( as suggested before: )

System.out.println(new File("."));