Difference between Java IO and Java NIO

• Difficulty Level : Easy
• Last Updated : 22 May, 2020

Java IO(Input/Output) is used to perform read and write operations. The java.io package contains all the classes required for input and output operation. Whereas, Java NIO (New IO) was introduced from JDK 4 to implement high-speed IO operations. It is an alternative to the standard IO API’s. In this article, the difference between these two IO packages is discussed.

Before getting into the difference between java IO and Java NIO, we need to understand a few key concepts which differentiate both the I/O packages:

1. Stream oriented vs Buffer Oriented Packages:

   Java IO is a stream-oriented package which means that it can be read one or more bytes at a time from a stream. It uses a stream for transferring the data between data source/sink and java program. It is a unidirectional data transfer. The following image illustrates a stream-oriented package:

    

   Unlike Java IO, Java NIO is a buffer oriented package. This means that the data is read into a buffer from which it is further processed using a channel. For example, a thread asking a channel to read data into a buffer and while the channel is reading data to the buffer simultaneously the thread can go for some other work. Once the data is read into the buffer, the thread can then continue to process the work which it had left during the read operation. Therefore, NIO is a bi-directional data transfer. The following image illustrates a buffer-oriented package:

    

    

    

    

2. Blocking IO vs Non Blocking IO Packages:

   Java IO is a blocking IO. This means that if a thread is invoking a read() or write() operation, that thread is blocked until there is some data to read or the data is fully written. That’s why it is synchronous IO or blocking IO.

   Unlike Java IO, Java NIO is a non-blocking IO. This means that if a thread is invoking a read() or write() operation, that thread is not blocked until there is some data to read or the data is fully written rather the thread go on something else. That’s why it is an asynchronous IO or non-blocking IO.

3. Channels:

   A channel is a medium for efficient data transmission between entity and buffer. It acts as a gateway for open connection with data source/sink.

4. Selector:

   The selector selects the channel among the multiple IO channels using the single thread.

The following table illustrates the differences between the Java IO and Java NIO:

Java IOJava NIOJava IO stands for Java Input OutputJava NIO stands for Java New Input OutputJava IO operates inside java.io packageJava NIO operates inside java.nio packageJava IO is Stream orientedJava NIO is Buffer orientedBlocking IO operationNon-blocking IO operationChannels are not availableChannels are availableIt deals with data in streamIt deals with data in blocksDoes not contain the concept of SelectorsContains the concept of Selectors