Computer Science – 13.2 File organisation and access | e-Consult
13.2 File organisation and access (1 questions)
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A file pointer is a variable that indicates the current position in a file where the next read or write operation will occur. It essentially acts as a 'cursor' within the file.
Updating the File Pointer:
- Read Operation: After a read operation, the file pointer is typically incremented by the number of bytes read. This moves the pointer to the next location in the file.
- Write Operation: After a write operation, the file pointer is incremented by the number of bytes written. This moves the pointer to the next available location in the file. Alternatively, the file pointer can be set to a specific location within the file.
Implications of Incorrect File Pointer Management:
- Data Corruption: If the file pointer is not managed correctly, it can lead to data corruption. For example, writing past the end of the allocated space in the file can overwrite existing data.
- Unexpected Behavior: Incorrect pointer updates can cause the program to read or write to unintended locations in the file, leading to unexpected program behavior and potentially crashes.
- File Inconsistencies: Mismatched file pointer positions between different processes or threads can result in inconsistent file states.