Create a read-only file

Question

I was wondering wether it is possible to create or simulate a file with a content set at creation and the assurance that nobody can ever change the file. If possible, can I do it in java?

Answer 1

Setting a file to read only is not going to make it so no one can ever change it. It takes about 3 seconds to unset the read only flag. The file can then be opened in a hex editor or other program that can handle the file type and changes can be made.

Answer 2

yes we can make read only file in java using setReadOnly() method.

After using this method, you will not be able to write or edit into the file.

import java.io.File;

public class FileReadOnly {
  public static void main(String[] args) {
    File file = new File("c:/file.txt");
    file.setReadOnly();
    System.out.println("File is in read only mode");
    }
}

or in this way also.

import java.io.File;
import java.io.IOException;

public class FileAttributesDemo {

  public static void main(String[] args) throws IOException {
    // Create a new file, by default canWrite=true, readonly=false
    File file = new File("test.txt");
    if (file.exists()) {
      file.delete();
    }
    file.createNewFile();
    System.out.println("Before. canWrite?" + file.canWrite());

    // set to read-only, atau canWrite = false */
    file.setWritable(false);
    System.out.println("After. canWrite?" + file.canWrite());
  }
}