What is the purpose of closing a file?

Answer: Closing a file in programming is important for the following reasons: 1. Resource Management: It frees up system resources such as memory and file descriptors, ensuring efficient usage of resources by other programs or processes. 2. Data Consistency: Closing a file ensures that the buffer is flushed and all data is written to the file, maintaining data consistency and preventing loss of information. 3. Best Practices: Properly closing a file is a good programming practice that helps prevent potential issues and improves program readability and maintainability. 4. Avoiding Errors: By closing files, programs can minimize the occurrence of errors related to concurrent access or locked resources. 5. Operating System Limitations: Closing files ensures that the process does not exceed the maximum allowed number of open files imposed by the operating system, preventing potential errors or crashes.