Chapter 4: Problem 16

What is the difference between an input file and an output file?

Short Answer

Expert verified

Answer: The primary difference between input and output files lies in their purpose and usage. An input file is used to feed data and information to a program or process and is typically read-only for the executing program. In contrast, an output file is used to store the results generated by the program after processing the input data and is usually write-only or read-write for the executing program.

Step by step solution

Definition of Input File

An input file refers to a file that contains data and/or instructions which are to be read and used by a program or a process. It usually serves as a source of information for software to process and is often used to store input data needed for the program execution.

Definition of Output File

An output file, on the other hand, is a file into which a program writes data or results after processing the information from an input file or performing some calculations. This file serves as a storage for the results or output generated by the program execution.

Primary Difference between Input and Output Files

The main difference between an input file and an output file lies in their purpose and usage. An input file is used to feed data and information to a program or process, while an output file is used to store the results generated by the program after processing the input data. In general, an input file is read-only (for the executing program) and an output file is write-only or read-write (for the executing program), but this may vary depending on specific implementation.

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What is the difference between an input file and an output file?

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Definition of Input File

Definition of Output File

Primary Difference between Input and Output Files

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