Exploring the C# `System.IO` Namespace: File and Stream Manipulation

Master file and stream operations in C# with this guide to the `System.IO` namespace. Learn about key classes like `File`, `Directory`, `StreamReader`, `StreamWriter`, and more, enabling you to build robust and efficient file handling capabilities into your C# applications.

Exploring the C# `System.IO` Namespace

The `System.IO` namespace in C# provides a comprehensive set of classes, structures, delegates, and enumerations for working with files and streams. It's essential for any C# application that needs to read from or write to files or work with directories.

Classes in `System.IO`

Here's a summary of key classes in the `System.IO` namespace:

Class	Description
`BinaryReader`	Reads binary data from a stream.
`BinaryWriter`	Writes binary data to a stream.
`BufferedStream`	Adds buffering to another stream for improved performance.
`Directory`	Provides static methods for working with directories.
`DirectoryInfo`	Provides instance methods for working with directories.
`DirectoryNotFoundException`	Exception thrown when a directory is not found.
`DriveInfo`	Provides information about a drive.
`DriveNotFoundException`	Exception thrown when a drive is not found.
`EndOfStreamException`	Exception thrown when trying to read past the end of a stream.
`ErrorEventArgs`	Provides data for the `FileSystemWatcher.Error` event.
`File`	Provides static methods for working with files.
`FileFormatException`	Exception thrown due to an invalid file format.
`FileInfo`	Provides properties and methods for working with files.
`FileLoadException`	Exception thrown when a file cannot be loaded.
`FileNotFoundException`	Exception thrown when a file is not found.
`FileStream`	Provides a stream for file operations.
`FileSystemEventArgs`	Provides data for file system events.
`FileSystemInfo`	Base class for `FileInfo` and `DirectoryInfo`.
`FileSystemWatcher`	Monitors a directory for changes.
`InternalBufferOverflowException`	Exception for buffer overflow errors.
`InvalidDataException`	Exception for invalid data in a stream.
`IOException`	Generic exception for I/O errors.
`MemoryStream`	Creates a stream in memory.
`Path`	Provides methods for manipulating file paths.
`PathTooLongException`	Exception thrown if a file path is too long.
`PipeException`	Exception related to named pipes.
`RenamedEventArgs`	Provides data for the `Renamed` event.
`StreamReader`	Reads characters from a byte stream.
`StringReader`	Reads characters from a string.
`StringWriter`	Writes characters to a string.
`TextReader`	Abstract base class for text readers.
`TextWriter`	Abstract base class for text writers.
`UnmanagedMemoryAccessor`	Provides access to unmanaged memory.
`UnmanagedMemoryStream`	Creates a stream over an unmanaged memory block.

Structures in `System.IO`

Structure	Description
`WaitForChangedResult`	Contains information about file system changes.

Delegates in `System.IO`

Delegate	Description
`ErrorEventHandler`	Handles errors from `FileSystemWatcher`.
`FileSystemEventHandler`	Handles file system changes (`Changed`, `Created`, `Deleted`).
`RenamedEventHandler`	Handles file rename events.

Enumerations in `System.IO`

Enumeration	Description
`DriveType`	Represents different types of drives.
`FileAccess`	Specifies file access modes (read, write).
`FileAttributes`	Represents file and directory attributes (e.g., read-only, hidden).
`FileMode`	Specifies how to open a file.
`FileOptions`	Provides advanced options for file streams.
`FileShare`	Controls how other processes can access the same file.
`HandleInheritability`	Determines if a handle can be inherited by child processes.
`NotifyFilters`	Specifies the types of file system changes to monitor.
`SearchOption`	Specifies search options (top-level directory only or all subdirectories).
`SeekOrigin`	Specifies the starting point for seeking within a stream.
`WatcherChangeTypes`	Indicates the types of changes detected by `FileSystemWatcher`.