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Read standard input one character at a time (June 28, 1999)

The JavaWorld experts answer your most pressing Java questions -- every week

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QIn a pure Java application how can you read standard input one character at a time (raw, unbuffered)?

A If the application has a GUI, it is possible to use a Component like java.awt.TextField to check each character as it is typed.

If the application is command-line based, the only portable way to read a single character from standard input through Java is to call System.in.read(). However, this call will block until the user types the <return> key at the end of a line, at which point the whole line is available for read().

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Random Walk Computing is the largest Java/CORBA consulting boutique in New York, focusing on solutions for the financial enterprise. Known for their leading-edge Java expertise, Random Walk consultants publish and speak about Java in some of the most respected forums in the world.
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how to read a single characterBy Anonymous on February 26, 2009, 4:56 amwhen i try char c= System.in.read() it gives an error int cannot be changet to char since the return type of System.in.read()is int and not char what to do with...

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