List Files in a Directory in Java

In this tutorial, we will learn how to list files in a directory in Java with a simple approach.

We will demonstrate how to retrieve and print the names of files and directories in a specified path. By the end of this guide, you will have a solid understanding of how to implement file listing functionality in your Java applications, allowing you to effectively manage and interact with the file system. Consequently, your applications will become more robust and functional.

Java Code : List files from a folder or directory

import java.io.File;

public class ListFilesExample {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        // Specify the path of the directory
        String directoryPath = "C:/Users/MNS0354/Documents/JavaCode";

        // Create a File object for the directory
        File directory = new File(directoryPath);

        // Use listFiles method to get all files and directories in the specified directory
        File[] files = directory.listFiles();

        // Check if the directory exists and is readable
        if (files == null) {
            System.out.println("The specified path does not exist or is not a directory.");
        } else {
            // Print the names of all files and directories
            for (File file : files) {
                if (file.isFile()) {
                    System.out.println("File: " + file.getName());
                } else if (file.isDirectory()) {
                    System.out.println("Directory: " + file.getName());
                }
            }
        }
    }
}

Detailed Explanation of code

1. Firstly, the program imports the File class from the package, which is essential for file manipulation.
2. Next, the ListFilesExamples class is defined, and within it, the main method is declared. This method is the entry point of the program.
3. Initially, the program specifies the path of the directory to be listed. This is done by assigning the directory path to the directoryPath string variable.
4.  A file object is created for the specified directory. This object represents the directory and provides methods to interact with its contents.
5. Following this, the program uses the listFiles method to retrieve all files and directories within the specified directory. This method returns an array of File objects.
6. Then, the program checks if the directory exists and is readable. If the listFiles method returns null, it indicates that the specified path does not exist or is not a directory. In this case, an appropriate message is printed.
7.  If the directory exists and is accessible, the program proceeds to iterate through the array of File objects.
8. For each File object, it checks whether it represents a file or a directory.

 Output

File: Example.java
File: README.txt
File: output.txt
Directory: src
Directory: bin