Sling Academy
Home/JavaScript/Bulk File Management Using the File and Directory Entries API in JavaScript

Bulk File Management Using the File and Directory Entries API in JavaScript

Last updated: December 12, 2024

The File and Directory Entries API offers a streamlined way to handle bulk file management operations directly in web applications using JavaScript. This API enhances file and directory manipulation capabilities, allowing web developers to interact with a user’s file system in a more dynamic way. Let's explore how you can utilize this powerful tool to manage files and directories.

Setting Up the Environment

Before diving into the File and Directory Entries API, ensure you have a development environment with a modern browser that supports this API. Currently, this feature is available in most modern browsers, but always check compatibility to ensure seamless functionality.

Retrieving File and Directory Access

To manage files, you first need access to the user's file system. The user is prompted to grant this access, which ensures that your application can only access selected files and directories.

javascript

async function getDirectory() {
  // Function to request a directory from the user
  const directoryHandle = await window.showDirectoryPicker();
  return directoryHandle;
}

This snippet uses the showDirectoryPicker function to open a directory picker dialog, allowing users to select the directory they want to manage.

Reading Directory Contents

Once access is granted, you can read and iterate over the contents of a directory:

javascript

async function readDirectory(directoryHandle) {
  for await (const entry of directoryHandle.values()) {
    console.log(entry.kind, entry.name);
  }
}

This code snippet uses a for-await-of loop to handle each file and directory within the chosen folder, logging their type (file or directory) and name.

Creating New Files and Directories

Create files or directories using the API to enhance your application's functionality. This flexibility allows for structured storage directly from the web application.

javascript

async function createFile(directoryHandle, fileName) {
  // Create a new file in the current directory handle
  const newFileHandle = await directoryHandle.getFileHandle(fileName, { create: true });
  console.log("File created: " + fileName);
}

Use similar logic to create new directories by changing the method used to getDirectoryHandle, passing a similar option to create a directory instead of a file.

Writing to a File

After creating a file, you might need to write data to it. It involves obtaining a writable stream and performing write operations:

javascript

async function writeFile(fileHandle, content) {
  const writableStream = await fileHandle.createWritable();
  await writableStream.write(content);
  await writableStream.close();
  console.log("Content written to file");
}

This approach to file writing ensures that users can manage and update file content directly from applications.

Deleting Files and Directories

Removing files or directories is as straightforward as creation. Utilize remove operations to cleanse unwanted items:

javascript

async function deleteEntry(directoryHandle, entryName) {
  await directoryHandle.removeEntry(entryName);
  console.log("Entry deleted: " + entryName);
}

By incorporating these delete operations, users can better manage and organize their chosen directories directly through your web app interface.

Conclusion

The File and Directory Entries API opens a wide array of possibilities for managing files directly in the browser with JavaScript. From reading directory contents to creating, updating, and deleting files, this API provides an efficient approach to bulk file management. Always ensure users are aware of the permissions they are granting and maintain best practices for file handling to create effective and secure web applications.

Next Article: Enhance File Uploads with Directory Selections in JavaScript

Previous Article: Traverse Folders and Retrieve Entries in JavaScript

Series: Web APIs – JavaScript Tutorials

JavaScript

You May Also Like

  • Handle Zoom and Scroll with the Visual Viewport API in JavaScript
  • Improve Security Posture Using JavaScript Trusted Types
  • Allow Seamless Device Switching Using JavaScript Remote Playback
  • Update Content Proactively with the JavaScript Push API
  • Simplify Tooltip and Dropdown Creation via JavaScript Popover API
  • Improve User Experience Through Performance Metrics in JavaScript
  • Coordinate Workers Using Channel Messaging in JavaScript
  • Exchange Data Between Iframes Using Channel Messaging in JavaScript
  • Manipulating Time Zones in JavaScript Without Libraries
  • Solving Simple Algebraic Equations Using JavaScript Math Functions
  • Emulating Traditional OOP Constructs with JavaScript Classes
  • Smoothing Out User Flows: Focus Management Techniques in JavaScript
  • Creating Dynamic Timers and Counters with JavaScript
  • Implement Old-School Data Fetching Using JavaScript XMLHttpRequest
  • Load Dynamic Content Without Reloading via XMLHttpRequest in JavaScript
  • Manage Error Handling and Timeouts Using XMLHttpRequest in JavaScript
  • Handle XML and JSON Responses via JavaScript XMLHttpRequest
  • Make AJAX Requests with XMLHttpRequest in JavaScript
  • Customize Subtitle Styling Using JavaScript WebVTT Integration