Final answer:
In computing, streams can be input, output, or duplex, with the latter allowing bidirectional data flow, enabling both data reading and writing. Duplex streams or bidirectional streams, such as sockets, are commonly used in network communications.
Step-by-step explanation:
Can data flow through a given stream in both directions? The answer depends on the type of steam being used. In computing, a stream typically refers to a sequence of data elements made available over time. There are two main types of streams: input streams and output streams. Input streams are used for reading data into a program, whereas output streams are used for writing data from a program.
However, there are also bidirectional streams, also known as duplex streams, which can handle both input and output simultaneously. This allows data to flow in both directions, often used in networking and communication protocol scenarios where two-way data transmission is required. An example of bidirectional data flow can be found in sockets, where a single socket can be used to send and receive data between two points in a network.