Hello people.
Can javascript read a file on the server?
Am I correct in believing it cannot?

I'm updating a web site which has loads of javascript.
Adding a new page, which implements a list of job vacancies at the firm.

I would like a csv (for example) for the HR people to write which can be dropped on the server so the page can read. So i take it this cannot be done.

double whammy, the webserver is on windoze :-(
any suggestions?

Javascript in its native form is not designed to interact much with files. However, there are extensions to Javascript that allow such interaction. Since you say the server is "windoze", some of the extensions are MS extensions and the use of ActiveX objects, which I am unfamiliar with.

Users could also encounter problems if they are using non-MS browsers if you choose to use extensions.

yes, well I'm developing on fedora, can't bear using windoze.
so activeX is out.

You could have a server-side script which reads the file and use AJAX to call that script.

JavaScript is typically run on client side, isn't it ? And on client side in order to access something on server side there should be the case that the server makes the stuff wanted by JavaScript available as URLs - if I understand correctly.

Client-side Javascript can't directly read files in the servers, as it is, well, *client* side. That said, it is common use to make asynchronous requests to the server for resources, which may be files (among other things). One of the most common ways to do this is via the set of techniques called AJAX.

In the case of asking for a file, it boils down to js asking the server for some file via ajax, the server reading the file, and sending it in the response to javascript.

Having windows on the server, or any other OS, doesn't change the picture whatsoever. Nor does any other client-side technology (like ActiveX).

So my response is: NO javascript can't directly read files on the server. But it can ask the server to read it and hand it over.

1 members found this post helpful.