File a_file = new File("c:/temp/file.txt");
File copy_of_file = a_file.copy("c:/temp/copy.txt");

======================================================================

======================================================================

Huh?  Since when does the File class have a copy method?


It doesn't, and we have no plans to add such a method because (1) You can easily
do this yourself, and (2) Its behavior would vary widely across platforms.

--   xxxxx@xxxxx   2001/11/21

If the renameTo method really moves a file, 
then it only makes sense that there be 
a copy method too.

Why doesn't java.io.File have a copy?  For that matter, why does it return
booleans instead of throwing exceptions?  Why can File.renameTo() fail when
moving across network filesystems, when there is no way for a developer to know
that the source and target are on different filesystems?
java.io.File needs a major rewrite.  With a copy method.
                            

Agreed.  renameTo is the method that is biting me 
at the moment, but the evaluation above is a bit
of a cop out!  If File.copy doesn't exist, can you
at least suggest a reasonably efficient substitute?

need favor

I cannot see how copying a file would vary by platform. I 
can see how copying the file using java would vary by 
platform. Every OS EXCEPT UNIX has file copy built into a 
standard function library. So using the excuse that this is 
ok since UNIX doesn't provide it is lame. Also, I'm certain 
that a natively written file copy will be better for the 
following reasons:
1. permissions, ACLs, etc. will be copied
2. speed will be much better than with Java.
3. The JDK writers can take the time to write a fast copy 
routine instead of having everybody and their mother's 
writing their own lame versions.

Sun: those should be reasons?
it's missing and everyone wants it. so? implement it!

Sun says : "You can easily do this yourself". 
I say : Yes, but 1 line of code is better than 6 or 7.

Sun says "Its behaviour would vary widely across platforms" 
I say : Explain how so, instead of dismissing a real problem with a patronising throwaway line. Copying is a standard operation. If in doubt, just specify "copyTo is equivalent to renameTo, but does not remove the original file".