/file_io

Example code for basic file input/output with robust error handling provided by Boost::filesystem. Locales support US English and FR French.

Primary LanguageC++MIT LicenseMIT

File Input and Output in C++ with Boost::filesystem

This project demonstrates how to do file input and output in C++. Robust error handling is provided with error messages localized to US English and FR French. The use-case assumes the operator wishes to record a series of temperature readings in a data file. Data are time-stamped as they are entered. When input is done, the data are printed for review.

Program Features

  • The data file is protected from accidentally being overwritten.
  • The program is protected from abnormal operations related to opening non-files such as directories, block/character devices, sockets, or fifos.
  • Filesystem permission errors are reported to the user.
  • Keyboard input is checked and restricted to numeric data.
  • The Boost::filesystem library has been namespaced to fs to permit the seamless upgrade to C++17 STL std::filesystem library when it becomes available.
  • All the methods of the class File_io return *this (a pointer to the current instance of the class). This design pattern enables method chaining for logical sequences of methods. (Implement illogical sequences at your own risk.)

Usage Example

$ ./file_io 

Enter a filename to save the data.
temps.txt
temps.txt exists. Overwrite it? (y/n): 
y
Enter temperatures to record.
33
44.08

Fri Jan 12, 2018 01:55:32 PM EST 33.00
Fri Jan 12, 2018 01:55:36 PM EST 44.08
    
$ export LANG=fr_FR.UTF-8
$ ./file_io 

Entrez un nom de fichier pour enregistrer les données.
temps.txt
temps.txt existe. Écrasez-le? (o/n): 
o
Entrez les températures à enregistrer.
55
34.6

Ven jan 12, 2018 13:57:03 EST 55.00
Ven jan 12, 2018 13:57:06 EST 34.60
    
$

Caveats

  • The FR French translation was provided by Google Translate and is not to be taken seriously by any native speaker.
  • The localization implementation is not suited to anything larger than a very small (stand alone) coding project. It is not standard at all. Those in need of proper localization are advised to consider Boost::locale