Closing Java InputStreams

Programmer Question

Good afternoon all.

I have some questions about the usage of the close() method when using Java InputStreams. From what I see and read from most developers, you should always explicitly call close() on an InputStream when it is no longer needed. But, today I was looking into using a Java properties file, and every example I have found has something like this:

Properties props = new Properties();
try {
    props.load(new FileInputStream("message.properties"));
    //omitted.
} catch (Exception ex) {}

With the above example, there is now way to explicitly call close() because the InputStream is unreachable after it is used. I have seen many similar uses of InputStreams even though it seems to contradict what most people say about explicitly closing. I read through Oracle's JavaDocs and it does not mention if the Properties.load() method closes the InputStream. I am wondering if this is generally acceptable or if it is preferred to do something more like the following:

Properties props = new Properties();
InputStream fis = new FileInputStream("message.properties");
try {
    props.load(fis);
    //omitted.
} catch (Exception ex) {
    //omitted.
} finally {
    try {
        fis.close();
    } catch (IOException ioex) {
        //omitted.
    }
}

Which way is better and/or more efficient? Or does it really matter? Thanks!

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