Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD) Certification Practice Test

When would you typically use the StreamReader class?

1. To write data to a file

2. To read bytes from a file

3. To read characters from a stream

4. To compress files

The correct answer is: To read characters from a stream

The StreamReader class is specifically designed for reading character data from a stream. It is commonly used to efficiently read text files and other character-based sources. By leveraging the StreamReader, developers can easily handle various text encodings, making it a versatile choice for reading data that consists primarily of text characters. The StreamReader class reads data in a character-oriented manner, meaning it processes the information as strings or characters rather than as raw bytes. This feature is particularly important for applications that require accurate text interpretation, such as those dealing with formatted text files like CSVs, XMLs, or JSONs. The other options do not align with the primary function of the StreamReader. For example, using a class that writes data to a file would involve a different class, such as StreamWriter. Similarly, reading bytes from a file suggests the use of a different class like FileStream or BinaryReader, which are suitable for byte-based operations. Lastly, compressing files is a distinct functionality that requires classes dedicated to file compression, such as GZipStream or DeflateStream, rather than the capability provided by StreamReader. Thus, the StreamReader is best suited for its intended purpose of reading characters from a stream, making it the correct choice.