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InsertDiskTwo
Topic Author
Posts: 4
Joined: 23 Dec 2021, 15:24

A few ideas for this awesome programme

24 Dec 2021, 02:36

I just purchased Files app and I absolutely love it. I have a few ideas for even more features for consideration - I would understand if some of these would not be possible :) - anyway, here we go!

1. Move files -> Move files from one place to another
2. Multiple select -> Allows management of more than one file at the same time
3. Zip/unzip -> Allows user to select a file, or multiple files and zip them up, also unzip
4. Multiple user profiles -> For example, one that doesn't require a login so everyone can go straight in and access files. In this case users can only browse and download. Then you would have a normal "admin" account as it is now. Some files can be marked as "admin" only and do not show up when browsing as guest.
5. Overwrite option-> When you upload a file which already exists this is automatically renamed. It would be nice to have an overwrite option (just this file, or all files in batch). Also instead of auto renaming, it would ask you to enter a new filename yourself.
6. Edit config file from within File App.

Thanks!
 
User avatar
mjau-mjau
X3 Wizard
Posts: 13993
Joined: 30 Sep 2006, 03:37

Re: A few ideas for this awesome programme

25 Dec 2021, 03:40

Hi! Thanks for the request. Actually, all your requests are pretty much planned soon. To be honest, in last release I was just going to add [upload] and [delete], but ended up adding most file-manager features [beta]. This was slightly premature, as we need a dedicated interface in place for effective file management.
  1. New topbar interface with all file manager actions grouped. Right now, most actions are simply in individual file-dropdowns and in the breadcrumbs bar (upload only). It's insufficient.
  2. Multi-file selection for batch actions delete, copy, move and zip.
  3. Multi-user login profiles, so that users can be assigned file management permissions (or not). This is essential, because currently you can't really have a public/admin capabilities in the same Files app.
Since the interface is not "ready" yet, there are a couple of flaws I didn't even think about with the recent release: 1. Can't create new files/folders in root, and 2. Can't upload to root if there is no breadcrumbs topbar (eg. no folders in root).

Very soon, you can expect an update that resolves #1 and the issue above. As for multi-file actions and multi-user logins, this will likely have to wait until next major release a bit later, because it requires proper planning and implementation..
InsertDiskTwo wrote:3. Zip/unzip -> Allows user to select a file, or multiple files and zip them up, also unzip
For sure. This requires some planning though, as Zipping files real-time can be very demanding on server resources. Also, there is the pitfall that someone might try to zip a folder with a massive subfolder-structure, which may cause havoc on the server. Unzip yes should be feasible, although there are similar pitfalls.
InsertDiskTwo wrote:Some files can be marked as "admin" only and do not show up when browsing as guest.
Since Files app is "passive" and not a "CMS", it doesn't really have the ability to store app-specific info about each file, so not sure how to achieve that. There is however an option "files_exclude" which can be assigned on a per-user basis, which would allow you to exclude files by name/extension/path.
InsertDiskTwo wrote:5. Overwrite option-> When you upload a file which already exists this is automatically renamed. It would be nice to have an overwrite option (just this file, or all files in batch). Also instead of auto renaming, it would ask you to enter a new filename yourself.
There is actually an option for this already:
Code
'upload_exists' => 'increment', // 'increment' / 'overwrite' / 'fail'
Set to 'overwrite' to overwrite existing files with the same name.

As for dynamically prompting user to rename any filenames that already exist, could be useful but is very clumsy to implement. If user renames to another file that exists, the prompt would continue to pop up until all files have been renamed to filenames that don't exist. This process requires continuously attempting to upload and awaiting feedback from server. Anyway, something to think about.
InsertDiskTwo wrote:6. Edit config file from within File App.
Indeed. This requires a proper user system though, as it's likely you only want users with certain permissions to be able to edit options. Also, several options will be per-user (for example 'root'), so needs to be planned and done properly.

Cheers!
 
InsertDiskTwo
Topic Author
Posts: 4
Joined: 23 Dec 2021, 15:24

Re: A few ideas for this awesome programme

26 Dec 2021, 03:56

Thanks a lot for your reply. Looking forward for upcoming updates :)