What is difference between File.Exists(“”) and FileInfo exists

Question

I have an *.exe file in \\ProgramFiles(x86)\\MyAppFolder.

In x86 application I check if the file exists (64 bit system). simple:

bool fileExists = File.E         


        

Answer 1

I just found this thread and wanted to update it as I had an issue with FileInfo vs File.Exists.

Let's take a scenario where we create a fileinfo object for a file that currently doesn't exist on a UNC share.

bool fileInfo  = new FileInfo(@"\\uncshare\name\filename.txt");

At this point, the file does not exist, but if I create it using another tool (other code or outside my app) and then do this...

fileInfo.Refresh();
bool exists = fileInfo.Exists;

The result is false, it does not exist, even though it does and the fileInfo was refreshed.

To get the correct result requires..

bool exists = File.Exists(f);

Hope that helps others.