Question

74

What is the best way to download file from server

rated 0 times [ 76] [ 2] / answers: 1 / hits: 50677 / 12 Years ago, wed, june 6, 2012, 12:00:00

I have interesting task which requires me to download a dynamically generated file from a server (ASP.NET) to the client. On the client side it is just JavaScript (jQuery) and the client is able to generate a lot of parameters to customize how the data is exported.

What is the best way to do download the file from the server? Should I use a WCF service such as what is described here or simple page like this one?

I don't know how to download a file without reloading the page (I'm not sure that $.ajax will work in this case). Could someone please give me some direction on this topic? Thanks.

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2 Years ago

answered 12 Years ago eliza · Accepted Answer

First you can create the file from a handler .ashx

Let say that you have the file for downloading at download.ashx and you have some parametres to pass from your javascript, eg download.ashx?p1=8827&p2=8831 to know what you going to create.

Then on your javascript you simple can make a redirect as

window.location = download.ashx?p1=8827&p2=8831;

or alternative you can use the window.open for do the same think

window.open(download.ashx?p1=8827&p2=8831);

and your file will start the download.

Just make sure that you have set the header of attachment, and the correct contenttype on your handle eg:

  HttpContext.Current.Response.ContentType = application/octet-stream;

  HttpContext.Current.Response.AddHeader(Content-Disposition, 

                    attachment; filename= + SaveAsThisFileName);

Simple and clear, both tested and working.

Also you may interesting on this answer: How to handle errors.