How to create a directory anywhere in Java?

Question

How can you create a directory anywhere on your hard drive using Java? For Example, I would like to create a folder in the home folder of the computer. If I use this code:

File file = new File("~/test"); if (!file.exists()) { try { folder.mkdirs(); } catch(Exception e) { JOptionPane.showMessageDialog(null, "There was an error: \n"+e, "Error!", 1); } }

it creates a folder name "~" and a folder inside that named "test" in the directory my project is in.

How can i get Java to create the folder in my home folder?

Thanks!

~ is resolved by the shell (e.g. Bash). You'll need to use /home/xyz/test. — Oliver Charlesworth
– Oliver Charlesworth, Commented Apr 30, 2012 at 0:49

MByD · Accepted Answer · 2012-04-30 00:50:23Z

7

You can get the user directory path by getting the system property "user.home"

System.getProperty("user.home");

answered Apr 30, 2012 at 0:50

MByD

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5 Comments

MByD Over a year ago

Yes, this is the idea of the properties, allowing OS portability.

Cin316 Over a year ago

If I begin the path with a "/", will Java take that as an absolute path to the directory?

MByD Over a year ago

In unix, yes. didn't try it on windows but i guess you'll get FileNotFound exception

Cin316 Over a year ago

And on Windows if I start the path with "C:\\" it will take that as the absolute path?

MByD Over a year ago

Yes, the same goes for d:\\ etc.

Oliver Charlesworth · Accepted Answer · 2012-04-30 00:49:28Z

3

~ is resolved by the shell (e.g. Bash), not by Java (AFAIK). You'll need to use /home/xyz/test.

answered Apr 30, 2012 at 0:49

Oliver Charlesworth

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1 Comment

Cin316 Over a year ago

So if I begin the path with a "/", Java will take that as an absolute path to the directory?

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