How to set the name of a file downloaded from a browser?
To control the download filename, use Content-Disposition
header with attachment; filename="name.ext"
.
Here's a quick example:
For server-side controls, like PHP:
HTML's download
attribute names files on-the-fly, but server-side ensures browser compatibility.
To improve communication with users, the download
attribute or Content-Disposition
header influences desired filenames.
Name that blob: JavaScript downloads
JavaScript allows for custom file download solutions. The method URL.createObjectURL()
paired with Blob objects can be used to also control the download's filename:
You call it Visualization. We call it magic.
Visualizing the filename assignment for a download is a fascinating process akin to sorting Hogwarts students into houses:
The "Content-Disposition" header is a Dumbledore in the world of downloads.
Serve it right: Server-Side vs Client-Side filename declaration
Choosing between server-side and client-side filename control might feel like choosing between Slytherin and Gryffindor, but the decision mainly depends on the scenario:
Server-side solution:
- A good solution for cross-browser compatibility concerns.
- Appropriate for sensitive files which should not be delivered via JavaScript.
- Can be employed when you want to straddle file transmission with server-side logging or analytics mechanisms.
Client-side solution:
- Handy with dynamically generated content within the browser.
- Leverages user's device resources, potentially saving server resources.
- Ideal for offline apps where server interaction is absent.
Ye olde MIME types
Proper MIME types in response headers ensure accurate handling of a file by browsers. A misconfigured type might display the file instead of initiating download. Content-Disposition
header with application/octet-stream
MIME type forces a download.
Here's how to force a download in PHP:
In JavaScript, set MIME type when creating the Blob:
DOM Cleaning: Not your random Spring Cleaning
It's crucial to keep your DOM tidy post-download by deleting any elements utilized for the download. This clean-up check is a simple act of being a good web-citizenship. It's like picking up after your pet—an essential part of responsible Blob ownership:
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