What are common mistakes developers make with BufferedInputStream / BufferedReader?

BufferedInputStream and BufferedReader are powerful tools for reading data in Java, but developers often make some common mistakes when using them. Here are a few issues to watch out for:

  • Forgetting to close streams: Failing to close streams can lead to resource leaks. Always use a try-with-resources statement.
  • Not using the correct character encoding: When reading text files, neglecting to specify the charset can result in character misinterpretations.
  • Confusing BufferedReader with InputStreamReader: BufferedReader is primarily meant for reading characters, while InputStreamReader is for reading bytes. Mixing them up can introduce bugs.
  • Overusing buffering: While streaming, adding too much buffering can increase memory usage unnecessarily.

BufferedInputStream BufferedReader Java I/O common mistakes resource management character encoding