Browser application & local file system access

html browser permissions filesystems access-control
Beyond HTML picture Beyond HTML · Nov 15, 2008 · Viewed 14.5k times · Source

I want to enhance my browser-based web application with functionality that enables management of local files and folders. E.g. folder tree structures should be synchronized between local workstation and server via HTTP(S).

I am aware of security-related limitations in browser-based applications. However, there are some techniques that "work around" these issues:

  • Signed Java applets (full trust)
  • .NET Windows Forms browser controls (no joke, that works. Just the configuration is horrible)
  • ActiveX

My question is: What do you use/suggest, both technology and implementation practice? Key requirement is that the installation process is as simple as possible.

Thanks for your opinions!

Answer

Javier picture Javier · Nov 15, 2008

Google Gears.

it lets you write Javascript applications with a much bigger platform support than the usual browser, and go 'unconnected' with local file access, cache and DB. and if/when connected it syncs to the central server.

available for several browsers on all platforms; but still under heavy evolution.

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