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In programming, it's common to write a class that both reads and writes files. What do you call this type of thing? Is it a file handler? A file parser? A file provider? A file streamer? How about a filer? Or do you just call it a file reader and leave it at that?

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  • If you're going to downvote, at least leave a helpful reason. Jan 26, 2014 at 2:11

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Your first response is probably the best, along with file processor.

processor: a machine that processes something.

process: a series of actions or steps taken in order to achieve a particular end.

A parser implies that it only reads the files, not writes them.

A provider implies it is the source of the file, not an intermediary.

A streamer implies the files are either being written continually or converted continually.

A filer implies that the files are stored without modification.

A reader implies the files are read without modification.

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    I was thinking the same thing after I asked the question: what does it do? It handles file operations. File handler it is. (Processor is too long!) Jan 26, 2014 at 3:33
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    Processor is too long! - careful, it's that kind of thinking that gave us the Y2K bug! ;)
    – Nomic
    Jan 27, 2014 at 4:53
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    @Koveras "File Handler" is very close to the term "File Handle" - which is what you call a unique identifier after a process has opened a file. I wouldn't recommend use of "Handler" as it'd be easy for a tech-savvy reader to confuse the two.
    – 4444
    Jun 11, 2014 at 14:00
  • @Doc how about "file do-er?" It does things with files. Jun 11, 2014 at 15:20
  • @Koveras "Do-er" is very vague and unprofessional. What does it do to the files; take them for a walk? Throw them a birthday party? (May I ask why Processor is too long?)
    – 4444
    Jun 11, 2014 at 15:30

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