1Z0-829 Java I/O API and Securing Applications Practice Question
A developer needs to copy a large directory tree from one location to another, preserving file attributes. Which method should be used?
⚠ Common exam trap
Many candidates assume `Files.copy` with `COPY_ATTRIBUTES` works recursively on directories, but it only copies the directory entry, not its contents, requiring a tree-walking approach like `Files.walkFileTree` to achieve a full recursive copy with attribute preservation.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Implement a FileVisitor using Files.walkFileTree and copy each file with COPY_ATTRIBUTES
`Files.walkFileTree` with a custom `FileVisitor` allows you to recursively traverse a directory tree and copy each file individually using `Files.copy` with `StandardCopyOption.COPY_ATTRIBUTES`. This is necessary because `Files.copy` on a directory does not copy the directory tree recursively; it only copies the top-level directory entry. The `FileVisitor` pattern ensures that subdirectories and files are visited and copied in depth-first order, preserving file attributes at each step.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Files.copy(source, target, StandardCopyOption.COPY_ATTRIBUTES)
Why it's wrong here
Files.copy does not copy directories recursively.
- ✓
Implement a FileVisitor using Files.walkFileTree and copy each file with COPY_ATTRIBUTES
Why this is correct
walkFileTree allows recursive traversal and attribute preservation.
- ✗
Use Files.walk() and then Files.copy() for each entry
Why it's wrong here
Files.walk returns a stream; using Files.copy on directories fails.
- ✗
Use FileUtils.copyDirectory from Apache Commons IO
Why it's wrong here
This is not part of standard Java SE; the question expects standard API.
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