File Pointer

Question

what's the definition of a file pointer? can anyone explain it completely and clearly? thank you

Answer 1

In software, a file pointer simply tells the software where to find the rest of the file.

Answer 2

Hi Azhar

My name is Andre Da Costa; an Independent Consultant, Windows Insider MVP and Windows & Devices for IT MVP. I'm here to help you with your problem.

According to Microsoft:

When a file is opened, Windows associates a file pointer with the default stream. This file pointer is a 64-bit offset value that specifies the next byte to be read or the location to receive the next byte written. Each time a file is opened, the system places the file pointer at the beginning of the file, which is offset zero. Each read and write operation advances the file pointer by the number of bytes being read and written. For example, if the file pointer is at the beginning of the file and a read operation of 5 bytes is requested, the file pointer will be located at offset 5 immediately after the read operation. As each byte is read or written, the system advances the file pointer. The file pointer can also be repositioned by calling the SetFilePointer function.

Source: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/deskto...