Client-side File Transfer
I need a page on a website that gives the client the ability to transfer a file from their computer to the web server. Originally I was thinking that I would use an INPUT element with type="FILE" but then I found out that some of the file sizes were very large (500Mb+). So I don't think this is practical because of page size limitations and session timeouts, etc. Does anyone have a better recommendation?
I was thinking that it would be great if I could envoke FTP on the client using script. The user would enter his username and password and select a file and then kick FTP off using a server name embedded in the web page but I don't know how to do this. This has the advantage of disconnecting the web server from the FTP location. Does anyone know how this is done?
[794 byte] By [
GerryLarry] at [2007-11-20 6:04:51]
# 1 Re: Client-side File Transfer
This really isn't a client-side problem. A server-side solution is needed. You can configure a server to allow you to upload 500+ megabytes of data. The problem is that it would take so long. Using server-side scripting languages, you can use FTP but that is between the server and another FTP server.
Really, your only option is a file upload. You will just have to edit the server's configuration.
I will have a moderator move this to the server-side scripting forum.
# 2 Re: Client-side File Transfer
Thanks for the response. You suggest the way that I am accustomed to doing it. I have used a few different methods for transferring to/from the server to an FTP server. In this case, the web server and ftp server could be the same box. I, too, am concerned about file size and transfer time and having to start over if transfer to the web server fails, etc. That was why I was hoping to bypass the client-to-web-server part and go directly from the client to the FTP server.
When I search for a client-side FTP component, it seems like there are many to choose from. I was hoping for a recommendation for one that could be included as an ActiveX component (?) or something(?).
# 3 Re: Client-side File Transfer
When I search for a client-side FTP component, it seems like there are many to choose from. I was hoping for a recommendation for one that could be included as an ActiveX component (?) or something(?).
From a web browser, the client itself cannot communicate with an FTP server unless you use some kind of browser extension or ActiveX component as you have mentioned. Now, if you use ActiveX, you are now stuck with IE only. Take a look at this (http://devsolutions.net/htmlpages/dsftp.html) and see if it is what you want.
