Why do we need Properties class in java?
<p>I have always wondered why I need a Properties class as I can always create a HashMap and keep the key/value pairs there. May be it reduces the amount of code  to write to load/store properties file. Because otherwise we have to create BufferedReader and read files and split the String and all these. But if we are going to get our key / value pairs from sources other than file then probably it doesn't make any difference whether we are using Properties class or HashMap class. I just need confirmation whether my thinking process is correct.</p>

<p>Thanks</p>