What is the difference between text mode and binary modes?
Text mode vs. binary mode: What's the difference?
When working with files on a computer, there are two different modes that can be used: text mode and binary mode. The mode that you choose will depend on the type of file that you are working with and what you need to do with it.
Text mode is the default mode for most programming languages. It is used for reading and writing human-readable text files, such as source code files, HTML files, and plain text files. In text mode, the programming language automatically performs certain operations on the data, such as converting newline characters to the appropriate format for the operating system.
Binary mode is used for reading and writing files that contain non-textual data, such as images, audio files, and executable files. In binary mode, the programming language reads and writes the data exactly as it is stored in the file, without performing any automatic conversions.
Table that summarizes the key differences between text mode and binary mode
| Feature | Text mode | Binary mode |
|---|---|---|
| Data format | Human-readable text | Binary code |
| Newline characters | Automatically converted to the appropriate format for the operating system | Not converted |
| Use cases | Reading and writing human-readable text files | Reading and writing non-textual files |
When to use text mode
You should use text mode when reading or writing human-readable text files, such as:
- Source code files
- HTML files
- Plain text files
- Configuration files
- Log files
When to use binary mode
You should use binary mode when reading or writing non-textual files, such as:
- Images (JPEG, PNG, GIF, etc.)
- Audio files (MP3, WAV, AAC, etc.)
- Video files (MP4, AVI, MOV, etc.)
- Executable files (EXE, JAR, etc.)
conclusion:
It is important to note that using the wrong mode can lead to data corruption. For example, if you try to read a binary file in text mode, the programming language may try to interpret the binary code as text, which can result in corrupted data.
For further information and examples, Please visit C-Programming From Scratch to Advanced 2023-2024
If you are unsure which mode to use, it is best to consult the documentation for the programming language you are using.