Class

Function

Constructor Arguments

How to use it

Data-InputStream

Used in concert with DataOutputStream, so you can read primitives (int, char, long, etc.) from a stream in a portable fashion.

InputStream

Contains a full interface to allow you to read primitive types.

Buffered-InputStream

Use this to prevent a physical read every time you want more data. You’re saying “Use a buffer.”

InputStream, with optional buffer size.

This doesn’t provide an interface per se, just a requirement that a buffer be used. Attach an interface object.

LineNumber-InputStream

Keeps track of line numbers in the input stream; you can call getLineNumber() and setLineNumber(int).

InputStream

This just adds line numbering, so you’ll probably attach an interface object.

Pushback-InputStream

Has a one byte push-back buffer so that you can push back the last character read.

InputStream

Generally used in the scanner for a compiler and probably included because the Java compiler needed it. You probably won’t use this.