How to retrieve a list of directories QUICKLY in Java?

Question

Suppose a very simple program that lists out all the subdirectories of a given directory. Sound simple enough? Except the only way to list all subdirectories in Java is to u

Answer 1

In that case you might try some JNA solution - a platform dependant directory traverser (FindFirst, FindNext on Windows) with the possibility of some iteration pattern. Also Java 7 will have much better file system support, worth checking out the specs (I don't remember any specifics).

Edit: An idea: one option is to hide the slowness of the directory listing from the user's eyes. In a client side app, you could use some animation while the listing is working to distract the user. Actually depends on what else your application does beside the listing.