Why don't we close `System.out` Stream after using it?

Question

I just want to know, we usually close streams at the end, but why don't we close System.out PrintStream with System.out.close()?

score 24 · Accepted Answer · answered Sep 17 '11 at 20:56

If you close it you will no longer be able to write to the console, so let's leave this task to the VM when the process terminates. You should only close streams that you own or have manually created. System.out is out of your control, so leave it to the creator to take care of.

score 17 · Answer 2 · edited Dec 20 '15 at 09:17

17

because we didn't open it the VM did and it's his job to close it unless otherwise documented

it's similar to the C++ adage of I don't own it, don't delete it.

edited Dec 20 '15 at 09:17

Raedwald

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answered Sep 17 '11 at 20:58

ratchet freak

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1

@henning `free` then or in a C++ adage – ratchet freak Sep 17 '11 at 22:31

score 5 · Answer 3 · answered Sep 17 '11 at 20:58

5

You can still flush() it, of course.

answered Sep 17 '11 at 20:58

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Why don't we close `System.out` Stream after using it?

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