Large file download in background initiated from browser
Is there a sane method to allow Webapp users to upload large files? I'm looking for something other than the browser's built-in download dialog - the requirement is that the user initiates the download from the browser and then some other application takes over, downloads the file in the background, and doesn't exit when the browser is closed. Perhaps this will work over http, ftp or even bittorrent. Platform independence would be nice, but my main focus is on Windows.
source to share
Maybe BITS is something for you?
Background Intelligent Transfer Service Purpose
Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS) transfers files (upload or download) between client and server and provides progress information related to translations. You can also download files from a peer.
Where applicable
Use BITS for applications that need:
Asynchronously transfer files to the foreground or background. reserve the responsiveness of another network Applications. Auto-resume file transfer after network shuts down and restarts the computer. Developer audience
BITS is designed for C and C ++ developers.
Windows only
source to share
Take a look at this: http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa753618(VS.85).aspx
This is IE only.
Another way is to write a BandObject for IE that connects to all links and launches your application. http://www.codeproject.com/KB/shell/dotnetbandobjects.aspx
source to share
Depending on how large the files are, almost all web browsers have download managers built in. Just link to the file and the browser will take over when the user clicks. You could just recommend people install the download manager before downloading the file, referring to the recommended free client for Windows / Linux / OS X.
Depending on how large the files are, Bittorrent might be an option. You will offer the file .torrent
when people open it in a separate download client that is separate from the browser.
There are disadvantages, mainly depending on your target audience:
- Bittorrent is rarely allowed on corporate or school networks.
- This can be tricky to use (as this is a new concept for a lot of people) .. for example if someone doesn't have a torrent client installed they get a tiny file that they can't open, which can be confusing
- NAT / port-forwarding / firewalls problems are fairly common.
- You need to use the torrent tracker launch and seed the file
... but there are also benefits - mainly reduced bandwidth usage on the server as users download the seed file as well.
source to share