Simple page for people to send me large files
I run a small pre-press bureau service, and I ask people NOT to send me large files (over 2mb) via email.
However, unless my clients are OK to use FTP client software, I have to ask them to use the commercial (some free) services which are not very reliable at the best of times, and awkward for my less computer-savvy clients. Some browsers allow FTP transfer, but some do not.
I'm looking for a simple, foolproof, drag-n-drop, or even 'Save As...' method of enabling them to send files to me by clicking a link on my website. I have server and MySQL database facilities, but have not yet found a simple solution to this problem.
Any helpful suggestions will be appreciated.
davecoventry posted this at 12:54 — 24th August 2009.
He has: 112 posts
Joined: Jun 2009
Javascript does have a method of uploading files, but you need something on the server side to handle the upload.
This could be in php or in Perl, whichever your server supports (if you're using mysql, I would expect php to be enabled).
Additionally you would need a mechanism to tell you where the uploaded file is, possibly through your mysql datadase.
UK_Dave posted this at 19:38 — 24th August 2009.
They have: 16 posts
Joined: Aug 2007
Great, thanks. Not being a programmer I will need someone to help me with that. PHP is OK and I have used it for a couple of forums, but have no idea where to start with anything other than pre-written scripts. Maybe there's a package available which I can buy for a small sum?
davecoventry posted this at 21:57 — 24th August 2009.
He has: 112 posts
Joined: Jun 2009
Dave,
Just had a quick Google:
http://www.google.co.za/search?rlz=1C1CHMA_enZA333ZA333&aq=f&sourceid=ch...
This one will probably do it:
http://www.phpeasystep.com/phptu/1.html
It's got 2 php files, one with the html and javascript, the other with the serverside php script.
Copy and paste them and see how you go.
As regards the mechanism to tell you which file was uploaded, I was thinking you could do it with the mysql database, but you could simply ask the person uploading to send an email. Or you could copy and paste the send email script on this page: http://email.about.com/cs/phpemailtips/qt/et031202.htm into the serverside uploading script so that it automatically sends notification.
Goodnight. It's almost midnight here; I'm going to hit the sack.
UK_Dave posted this at 15:49 — 25th August 2009.
They have: 16 posts
Joined: Aug 2007
Thanks Dave,
I'll experiment with this tomorrow and let you know. I'm sure this technique could be popular with many people in my business if it works reliably.
UK_Dave posted this at 15:54 — 25th August 2009.
They have: 16 posts
Joined: Aug 2007
Excellent results!
It's a simple solution to a problem that's been bugging me for years, and it's totally free!
I don't even need email notification because I'm generally in touch with my clients when I recommend uploading rather than emailing big files.
A progress bar would be useful though - could I build one into it?
davecoventry posted this at 07:32 — 26th August 2009.
He has: 112 posts
Joined: Jun 2009
Yes, you should be able to use ajax to set up cummunication between the browser and the serverside script.
In fact I've spotted this page: http://www.ibm.com/developerworks/library/os-php-v525/index.html
which has all the code and also explanations.
Want to join the discussion? Create an account or log in if you already have one. Joining is fast, free and painless! We’ll even whisk you back here when you’ve finished.