Box once, anywhere - simplicity
- Mantra: Bind folders & files to tables & records
- Tagline: Files close to data
The External File Repository
The goal of wob_Boxes is straightforward: to provide a managed, Dropbox-like repository for files, without storing them in the database as BLOBs.
Localised in EN, FR. Dependencies: wok_Krolific – Licensing, Simplified, wox_Xlibrary – The Silent Engine, woc_Colours – Colours, Reloaded
How It Works:
A root folder on the server is designated for all file storage. wob_Boxes then creates a structured hierarchy within this root for global files, table-specific files, and even individual record-specific files.
Client-Server Interface:
Generic widgets are provided for easy placement on any form. These widgets open a Finder-like interface, allowing users to:
- Drag & drop files of any type.
- View, organize, and recover files stored in their dedicated boxes.
Programmatic Access:
Low-level methods enable server-side automation. You can programmatically:
- Retrieve files (
Get file from Box) - Save files (
Save file to Box) - Use them for automated tasks (e.g., attaching files from a Box to an outgoing email).
Technical Foundation:
The entire system is built on robust, standard POSIX paths and utilizes 4D's built-in File and Folderclasses for reliable cross-platform operation.
Key Benefits:
- Database Efficiency: Keeps user files out of the database, maintaining optimal performance and size.
- Ease of Use: Provides a familiar, intuitive file browser experience anywhere in your application.
- Flexibility: Offers structured storage at the global, table, and individual record levels.
- Powerful Automation: Supports both user interaction and fully programmed file management.
The widget to place on your forms
The resizable widget displays the files count of the related folder. On click, it opens a form in a process, a kind of a bounded view of this folder. The widget's files count value is automatically updated when you modify your ogBox opened with it.
A form opened for the table "Projects"
When changing the content of this opened view (add, delete...), the widget "count" files information is updated instantly.
Actions on folders and files
