Java I/O streams; what are the differences?

Question

java.io has many different I/O streams, (FileInputStream, FileOutputStream, FileReader, FileWriter, BufferedStreams... etc.) and I am confused in determining th

Answer 1

When learning Java I made this mental scheme about java.io:

Streams

• byte oriented stream (8 bit)
• good for binary data such as a Java .class file
• good for "machine-oriented" data

Readers/Writers

• char (utf-16) oriented stream (16 bit)
• good for text such as a Java source
• good for "human-oriented" data

Buffered

• always useful unless proven otherwise