Chapter 6, Problem 1MC

A file that data is written to is known as a(n).______.

a. input file

b. output file

c. sequential access file

d. binary file

Program Description Answer

The data that are written to a file are known as output file.

Hence, the correct answer is option “B”.

Explanation of Solution

Output file:

• A file where the data are written is called as “output file”. The output file is created on the disk and allows the program to write data on it.
• The “output file” must be accessed using the file name and must be closed after the usage of the file.
  • If the file is not closed properly, it can cause loss of data because the data that are written to a file are stored in a buffer first.
  • After closing a file, the buffer saves the contents into the disk.

Example for output file:

The following program is used to open an output file, write a name to it, and then close it:

#Function main

def main():

         #Open an outfile for writing

         outfile=open('my_name.txt','w')

         #Write the name into file

         outfile.write("Tom cruise")

         #Close the file

         outfile.close()

         #Display statement

         print('Data written to my_name.txt')

#Call the main function

main()

Explanation:

The above program is used to open an output file named “my_name.txt”, write a name to it, and then close it:

• In the “main()” function, open a file “my_name.txt” and write a name "Tom cruise" to the file using the “write()” method.
• Close the file using the “close()” method. Display the intimation message on the screen.
• Call the “main()” function.

Explanation for the incorrect options:

Input file:

A file from which the data are read is called as an input file. When a program gets input from the file, then it is called as input file.

Hence, option “A” is wrong.

Sequential access file:

In sequential access method, the contents of the file are accessed from the beginning to the end.

Hence, option “C” is wrong.

Binary file:

Binary file holds data that are not represented in the form of text. The executable programs are stored in the type of binary file.

• Due to this, the contents present in the binary file cannot be viewed with normal text editors.

Hence, option “D” is wrong.

Sample Output

Output:

Data written to my_name.txt

Screenshot of “my_name.txt” file