Read file in UTF-8 encoding and convert to byte array

Question

I can do this but this question is more to know about what is the best way to achieve this.

I can do following to get the file in buffered reader

BufferedReader bufferedReader = new BufferedReader(new   InputStreamReader(new FileInputStream(file), "UTF-8"));

What is the best way to proceed after this?

The requirement itself does not quite make sense. Look: UTF-8 is an encoding. I.E.: A parameter to convert characters to bytes (and vice-versa). Every conversion must have its proper encoding. So if you read a file (which is always a sequence of bytes) with a specific encoding, it's because it should be converted to chars. OK. Then, if it must be converted back again to bytes, the same encoding must be used, so... it becomes a pure do+undo. You can read the file as bytes and forget about the encoding. — Little Santi
– Little Santi, Commented Nov 12, 2016 at 20:11

Svetlin Zarev · Accepted Answer · 2016-11-12 19:38:56Z

2

The best approach is often the simplest one:

Path path = Paths.get("path/to/file");
byte[] data = Files.readAllBytes(path);

PS: If you have a File object instead of string representation of the path, then just convert the File to Path:

Path path = file.toPath()

answered Nov 12, 2016 at 19:38

Svetlin Zarev

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2 Comments

First requirement is to read the file in UTF format and then process further

UTF is not a format, but an encoding scheme. If your file is already UTF-8 encoded, you just have to read it. Nothing more