What is illegal escape character in java

[sumanta panda]

Dear Sir,
While complile this code the error message display that "Illegal escape character".Please guide me to rectify this code.

The data.txt file contains:->Sumanta,Sagar,Harish

import java.io.*;
public class ReadFile {
public static void main(String[] args) {
try{
File fin=new File("C:\Testjava\data.txt");
        FileReader fr=new FileReader(fin);
BufferedReader br=new BufferedReader(fr);
String theBR=br.readline();
String[] theSplit=theBR.split(",");
for(int i=0;i<theSplit.length;i++)
System.out.println("Data success"+theSplit[i] +" \n");

 }catch(Exception Ex){
       System.out.println("exception in getting connection"+Ex.getMessage());
       }
}
}

Thanks and Regards
Sumanta Panda
[ November 21, 2008: Message edited by: Martijn Verburg ]

[Miklos Szeles]

Hi,

I think you should write

File fin=new File("C:\\Testjava\\data.txt");

If you want to write a \ in a String literal you have to write \\, anyway Java compiler interprets it as an escape character. Since no such escape characters as \T or \d the java compiler reports an error.
Regards,
Miki

[Martijn Verburg]

Miklos is indeed correct, shifting to the beginners forum, more people will gain benefit from this if they search there.

[Rob Spoor]

Another option is using forward slashes. File is smart enough to convert those to backslashes when accessing the actual file system.

[fred rosenberger]

Generally speaking, when the compiler gives you an error message, it tells you more than just "illegal escape character". It will show you the line and even the exact spot it thinks the error actually is:

ReadFile.java:5: illegal escape character
                File fin=new File("C:\Testjava\data.txt");
                                           ^

It GREATLY helps people help you if you post the ENTIRE message. This lets a reader instantly focus in on where the problem is, rather than having to parse you entire java file and GUESS.

Just a little helpful tip for next time.
[ November 21, 2008: Message edited by: fred rosenberger ]

[zameel amjed]

And check letter case at the readLine method it should be:

String theBR=br.readLine();