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The {{char}} type is the only unsigned primitive type in Java. As a result, a signed value cannot be stored and retrieved successfully from a variable of type {{char}}. In particular, comparing a value of type {{char}} with -1 will never yield {{true}}.  However, because the method {{read()}} returns -1 to indicate the End of File ({{EOF}}) condition, it is tempting to compare the character returned by {{read()}} with -1.  This is a common error \[[Pugh 2008|AA. Java References#Pugh 08]\].

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Storing signed data in a variable of the unsigned type char can lead to misinterpreted data and possibly memory leaks. Furthermore, comparing a value of type char with -1 never evaluates to true. This error can result in a denial-of-service.

Rule Guideline

Severity

Likelihood

Remediation Cost

Priority

Level

INT04-J

low

unlikely

low

P3

L3

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