Reference a Text File with relative path in Java with the IntelliJ IDEA

Question

I have a program that reads numbers from a .txt file. My problem is where to place this file, or how to reference it with a relative path to make this file accessible without using the absolute path.

Guyenne

Answer 1

When you try to open a file, it takes your current working path. For example this working tree:

Project
|->src
|   |-->MyClass.java
|   |-->MyFile1.txt
|->res
   |->files
     |-->MyFile2.txt

You can use new File("MyFile1.txt"); for MyFile1.

or

new File("./res/files/MyFile2.txt"); for MyFile2.

Hieroglyphic

And of course import your text file to your working directory – Hieroglyphic

Answer 2

You need to start your path from src. "src/your/path/file.txt". See my answer here

Crabstick

Answer 3

If you have a multi-project setup, it may not be obvious what the "root" directory is for a relative path. In that case, open the Terminal tab in your IntelliJ and see what directory it lands in. That is the "root" directory. Your relative path should start there.

Desdamonna

This was the answer that I am looking for! Thanks @Big Pumpkin – Bimetallism

Answer 4

@Big Pumpkin Not sure about the terminal showing me the path of the "root". But it does turn out to be the top most directory in a multi-module project.

Pterous

Answer 5

If file1.txt in 'src' it will have path as "src\main\java\file1.txt". Relative path starts from src.

Kiaochow