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Version: 20 R5

File

File objects are created with the File command. They contain references to disk files that may or may not actually exist on disk. For example, when you execute the File command to create a new file, a valid File object is created but nothing is actually stored on disk until you call the file.create( ) function.

Example

The following example creates a preferences file in the project folder:

var $created : Boolean
$created:=File("/PACKAGE/SpecialPrefs/"+Current user+".myPrefs").create()

Pathnames

File objects support several pathnames, including filesystems or posix syntax. Supported pathnames are detailed in the Pathnames page.

File object

.copyTo( destinationFolder : 4D.Folder { ; newName : Text } { ; overwrite : Integer } ) : 4D.File
copies the File object into the specified destinationFolder
.create() : Boolean
creates a file on disk according to the properties of the File object
.createAlias( destinationFolder : 4D.Folder ; aliasName : Text { ; aliasType : Integer } ) : 4D.File
creates an alias (macOS) or a shortcut (Windows)
.creationDate : Date
the creation date of the file
.creationTime : Time
the creation time of the file
.delete()
deletes the file
.exists : Boolean
true if the file exists on disk
.extension : Text
the extension of the file name (if any)
.fullName : Text
the full name of the file, including its extension (if any)
.getAppInfo() : Object
returns the contents of a .exe, .dll or .plist file information as an object
.getContent( ) : 4D.Blobreturns a 4D.Blob object containing the entire content of a file
.getIcon( { size : Integer } ) : Picture
the icon of the file
.getText( { charSetName : Text { ; breakMode : Integer } } ) : Text
.getText( { charSetNum : Integer { ; breakMode : Integer } } ) : Text

returns the contents of the file as text
.hidden : Boolean
true if the file is set as "hidden" at the system level
.isAlias : Boolean
true if the file is an alias, a shortcut, or a symbolic link
.isFile : Boolean
always true for a file
.isFolder : Boolean
always false for a file
.isWritable : Boolean
true if the file exists on disk and is writable
.modificationDate : Date
the date of the file's last modification
.modificationTime : Time
the time of the file's last modification
.moveTo( destinationFolder : 4D.Folder { ; newName : Text } ) : 4D.File
moves or renames the File object into the specified destinationFolder
.name : Text
the name of the file without extension (if any)
.open( { mode : Text } ) : 4D.FileHandle
.open( { options : Object } ) : 4D.FileHandle

creates and returns a new 4D.FileHandle object on the file, in the specified mode or with the specified options
.original : 4D.File
.original : 4D.Folder

the target element for an alias, a shortcut, or a symbolic link file
.parent : 4D.Folder
the parent folder object of the file
.path : Text
the POSIX path of the file
.platformPath : Text
the path of the file expressed with the current platform syntax
.rename( newName : Text ) : 4D.File
renames the file with the name you passed in newName and returns the renamed File object
.setAppInfo( info : Object )
writes the info properties as information contents of a .exe, .dll or .plist file
.setContent ( content : Blob )
rewrites the entire content of the file using the data stored in the content BLOB
.setText ( text : Text {; charSetName : Text { ; breakMode : Integer } } )
.setText ( text : Text {; charSetNum : Integer { ; breakMode : Integer } } )

writes text as the new contents of the file
.size : Real
the size of the file expressed in bytes

File

History
ReleaseChanges
19 R4New HTTP Client log file constant
17 R5Added

File ( path : Text { ; pathType : Integer }{ ; * } ) : 4D.File
File ( fileConstant : Integer { ; * } ) : 4D.File

ParameterTypeDescription
pathText->File path
fileConstantInteger->4D file constant
pathTypeInteger->fk posix path (default) or fk platform path
*->* to return file of host database
Result4D.File<-New file object

Description

The File command creates and returns a new object of the 4D.File type. The command accepts two syntaxes:

File ( path { ; pathType } { ; * })

In the path parameter, pass a file path string. You can use a custom string or a filesystem (e.g., "/DATA/myfile.txt").

Only absolute pathnames are supported with the File command.

By default, 4D expects a path expressed with the POSIX syntax. If you work with platform pathnames (Windows or macOS), you must declare it using the pathType parameter. The following constants are available:

ConstantValueComment
fk platform path1Path expressed with a platform-specific syntax (mandatory in case of platform pathname)
fk posix path0Path expressed with POSIX syntax (default)

File ( fileConstant { ; * } )

In the fileConstant parameter, pass a 4D built-in or system file, using one of the following constants:

ConstantValueComment
Backup history file19Backup history file (see Configuration and trace files). Stored in the backup destination folder.
Backup log file13Current backup journal file. Stored in the application Logs folder.
Backup settings file1Default backup.4DSettings file (xml format), stored in the Settings folder of the project
Backup settings file for data17backup.4DSettings file (xml format) for the data file, stored in the Settings folder of the data folder
Build application log file14Current log file in xml format of the application builder. Stored in the Logs folder.
Build application settings file20Default settings file of the application builder ("buildApp.4DSettings"). Stored in the Settings folder of the project.
Compacting log file6Log file of the most recent compacting done with the Compact data file command or the Maintenance and security center. Stored in the Logs folder.
Current backup settings file18backup.4DSettings file currently used by the application. It can be the backup settings file (default) or a custom user backup settings file defined for the data file
Debug log file12Log file created by the SET DATABASE PARAMETER(Debug log recording) command. Stored in the Logs folder.
Diagnostic log file11Log file created by the SET DATABASE PARAMETER(Diagnostic log recording) command. Stored in the Logs folder.
Directory file16directory.json file, containing the description of users and groups (if any) for the project application. It can be located either in the user settings folder (default, global to the project), or in the data settings folder (specific to a data file).
HTTP Client log file24Log file created by the HTTP SET OPTION(HTTP client log) command. Stored in the Logs folder.
HTTP debug log file9Log file created by the WEB SET OPTION(Web debug log) command. Stored in the Logs folder.
HTTP log file8Log file created by the WEB SET OPTION(Web log recording) command. Stored in Logs folder.
IMAP Log file23Log file created by the SET DATABASE PARAMETER(IMAP Log) command. Stored in the Logs folder.
Last backup file2Last backup file, named \<applicationName>[bkpNum].4BK, stored at a custom location.
Last journal integration log file22Full pathname of the last journal integration log file (stored in the Logs folder of the restored application), if any. This file is created, in auto-repair mode, as soon as a log file integration occurred
Repair log file7Log file of database repairs made on the database in the Maintenance and Security Center (MSC). Stored in the Logs folder.
Request log file10Standard client/server request log file (excluding Web requests) created by the SET DATABASE PARAMETER(4D Server log recording) or SET DATABASE PARAMETER(Client log recording) commands. If executed on the server, the server log file is returned (stored in the Logs folder on the server). If executed on the client, the client log file is returned (stored in the client local Logs folder).
SMTP log file15Log file created by the SET DATABASE PARAMETER(SMTP Log) command. Stored in the Logs folder.
User settings file3settings.4DSettings file for all data files, stored in Preferences folder next to structure file if enabled.
User settings file for data4settings.4DSettings file for current data file, stored in Preferences folder next to the data file.
Verification log file5Log files created by the VERIFY CURRENT DATA FILE and VERIFY DATA FILE commands or the Maintenance and Security Center (MSC). Stored in the Logs folder.

If the target fileConstant does not exist, a null object is returned. No errors are raised.

If the command is called from a component, pass the optional * parameter to get the path of the host database. Otherwise, if you omit the * parameter, a null object is always returned.

4D.File.new()

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ReleaseChanges
18 R6Added

4D.File.new ( path : Text { ; pathType : Integer } ) : 4D.File
4D.File.new ( fileConstant : Integer ) : 4D.File

Description

The 4D.File.new() function creates and returns a new object of the 4D.File type. It is identical to the File command (shortcut).

It is recommended to use the File shortcut command instead of 4D.File.new().

.copyTo()

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ReleaseChanges
17 R5Added

.copyTo( destinationFolder : 4D.Folder { ; newName : Text } { ; overwrite : Integer } ) : 4D.File

ParameterTypeDescription
destinationFolder4D.Folder->Destination folder
newNameText->Name for the copy
overwriteInteger->fk overwrite to replace existing elements
Result4D.File<-Copied file

Description

The .copyTo() function copies the File object into the specified destinationFolder .

The destinationFolder must exist on disk, otherwise an error is generated.

By default, the file is copied with the name of the original file. If you want to rename the copy, pass the new name in the newName parameter. The new name must comply with naming rules (e.g., it must not contain characters such as ":", "/", etc.), otherwise an error is returned.

If a file with the same name already exists in the destinationFolder, by default 4D generates an error. You can pass the fk overwrite constant in the overwrite parameter to ignore and overwrite the existing file

ConstantValueComment
fk overwrite4Overwrite existing elements, if any

Returned value

The copied File object.

Example

You want to copy a picture file from the user's document folder to the application folder:

var $source; $copy : Object
$source:=Folder(fk documents folder).file("Pictures/photo.png")
$copy:=$source.copyTo(Folder("/PACKAGE");fk overwrite)

.create()

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17 R5Added

Not available for ZIP archives

.create() : Boolean

ParameterTypeDescription
ResultBoolean<-True if the file was created successfully, false otherwise

Description

The .create() function creates a file on disk according to the properties of the File object.

If necessary, the function creates the folder hierachy as described in the platformPath or path properties. If the file already exists on disk, the function does nothing (no error is thrown) and returns false.

Returned value

  • True if the file is created successfully;
  • False if a file with the same name already exists or if an error occured.

Example

Creation of a preferences file in the database folder:

 var $created : Boolean
$created:=File("/PACKAGE/SpecialPrefs/"+Current user+".myPrefs").create()

.createAlias()

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ReleaseChanges
17 R5Added

.createAlias( destinationFolder : 4D.Folder ; aliasName : Text { ; aliasType : Integer } ) : 4D.File

ParameterTypeDescription
destinationFolder4D.Folder->Destination folder for the alias or shortcut
aliasNameText->Name of the alias or shortcut
aliasTypeInteger->Type of the alias link
Result4D.File<-Alias or shortcut file reference

Description

The .createAlias() function creates an alias (macOS) or a shortcut (Windows) to the file with the specified aliasName name in the folder designated by the destinationFolder object.

Pass the name of the alias or shortcut to create in the aliasName parameter.

By default on macOS, the function creates a standard alias. You can also create a symbolic link by using the aliasType parameter. The following constants are available:

ConstantValueComment
fk alias link0Alias link (default)
fk symbolic link1Symbolic link (macOS only)

On Windows, a shortcut (.lnk file) is always created (the aliasType parameter is ignored).

Returned object

A 4D.File object with the isAlias property set to true.

Example

You want to create an alias to a file in your database folder:

 $myFile:=Folder(fk documents folder).file("Archives/ReadMe.txt")
$aliasFile:=$myFile.createAlias(File("/PACKAGE");"ReadMe")

.creationDate

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17 R5Added

.creationDate : Date

Description

The .creationDate property returns the creation date of the file.

This property is read-only.

.creationTime

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17 R5Added

.creationTime : Time

Description

The .creationTime property returns the creation time of the file (expressed as a number of seconds beginning at 00:00).

This property is read-only.

.delete()

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17 R5Added

.delete()

ParameterTypeDescription
Does not require any parameters

Description

The .delete() function deletes the file.

If the file does not exist on disk, the function does nothing (no error is generated).

If the file is currently open, the result depends on the OS:

  • on Windows, an error is generated,
  • on macOS, no error is generated and the file is deleted.
caution

.delete() can delete any file on a disk. This includes documents created with other applications, as well as the applications themselves. .delete() should be used with extreme caution. Deleting a file is a permanent operation and cannot be undone.

Example

You want to delete a specific file in the database folder:

 $tempo:=File("/PACKAGE/SpecialPrefs/"+Current user+".prefs")
If($tempo.exists)
$tempo.delete()
ALERT("User preference file deleted.")
End if

.exists

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ReleaseChanges
17 R5Added

.exists : Boolean

Description

The .exists property returns true if the file exists on disk, and false otherwise.

This property is read-only.

.extension

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ReleaseChanges
17 R5Added

.extension : Text

Description

The .extension property returns the extension of the file name (if any). An extension always starts with ".". The property returns an empty string if the file name does not have an extension.

This property is read-only.

.fullName

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ReleaseChanges
17 R5Added

.fullName : Text

Description

The .fullName property returns the full name of the file, including its extension (if any).

This property is read-only.

.getAppInfo()

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ReleaseChanges
19Added

.getAppInfo() : Object

ParameterTypeDescription
ResultObject<-Contents of .exe/.dll version resource or .plist file

Description

The .getAppInfo() function returns the contents of a .exe, .dll or .plist file information as an object.

The function must be used with an existing .exe, .dll or .plist file. If the file does not exist on disk or is not a valid .exe, .dll or .plist file, the function returns an empty object (no error is generated).

The function only supports .plist files in xml format (text-based). An error is returned if it is used with a .plist file in binary format.

Returned object with a .exe or .dll file

Reading a .exe or .dll is only possible on Windows.

All property values are Text.

PropertyType
InternalNameText
ProductNameText
CompanyNameText
LegalCopyrightText
ProductVersionText
FileDescriptionText
FileVersionText
OriginalFilenameText

Returned object with a .plist file

The xml file contents is parsed and keys are returned as properties of the object, preserving their types (text, boolean, number). .plist dict is returned as a JSON object and .plist array is returned as a JSON array.

Example

 // display copyright info of application .exe file (windows)
var $exeFile : 4D.File
var $info : Object
$exeFile:=File(Application file; fk platform path)
$info:=$exeFile.getAppInfo()
ALERT($info.LegalCopyright)

// display copyright info of an info.plist (any platform)
var $infoPlistFile : 4D.File
var $info : Object
$infoPlistFile:=File("/RESOURCES/info.plist")
$info:=$infoPlistFile.getAppInfo()
ALERT($info.Copyright)

See also

.setAppInfo()

.getContent()

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ReleaseChanges
19 R2Returns 4D.Blob
17 R5Added

.getContent( ) : 4D.Blob

ParameterTypeDescription
Result4D.Blob<-File content

Description

The .getContent() function returns a 4D.Blob object containing the entire content of a file. For information on BLOBs, please refer to the BLOB section.

Returned value

A 4D.Blob object.

Example

To save a document's contents in a BLOB field:

 var $vPath : Text
$vPath:=Select document("";"*";"Select a document";0)
If(OK=1) //If a document has been chosen
[aTable]aBlobField:=File($vPath;fk platform path).getContent()
End if

.getIcon()

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ReleaseChanges
17 R5Added

.getIcon( { size : Integer } ) : Picture

ParameterTypeDescription
sizeInteger->Side length for the returned picture (pixels)
ResultPicture<-Icon

Description

The .getIcon() function returns the icon of the file.

The optional size parameter specifies the dimensions in pixels of the returned icon. This value actually represents the length of the side of the square containing the icon. Icons are usually defined in 32x32 pixels (“large icons”) or 16x16 pixels (“small icons”). If you pass 0 or omit this parameter, the "large icon" version is returned.

If the file does not exist on disk, a default blank icon is returned.

Returned value

File icon picture.

.getText()

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ReleaseChanges
17 R5Added

.getText( { charSetName : Text { ; breakMode : Integer } } ) : Text
.getText( { charSetNum : Integer { ; breakMode : Integer } } ) : Text

ParameterTypeDescription
charSetNameText->Name of character set
charSetNumInteger->Number of character set
breakModeInteger->Processing mode for line breaks
ResultText<-Text from the document

Description

The .getText() function returns the contents of the file as text .

Optionally, you can designate the character set to be used for reading the contents. You can pass either:

  • in charSetName, a string containing the standard set name (for example "ISO-8859-1" or "UTF-8"),
  • or in charSetNum, the MIBEnum ID (number) of the standard set name.

For the list of character sets supported by 4D, refer to the description of the CONVERT FROM TEXT command.

If the document contains a Byte Order Mark (BOM), 4D uses the character set that it has set instead of the one specified in charSetName or charSetNum (this parameter is then ignored). If the document does not contain a BOM and if charSetName or charSetNum is omitted, by default 4D uses the "UTF-8" character set.

In breakMode, you can pass a number indicating the processing to apply to end-of-line characters in the document. The following constants of the "System Documents" theme are available:

ConstantValueComment
Document unchanged0No processing
Document with native format1(Default) Line breaks are converted to the native format of the operating system: CR (carriage return) under OS X, CRLF (carriage return + line feed) under Windows
Document with CRLF2Line breaks are converted to Windows format: CRLF (carriage return + line feed)
Document with CR3Line breaks are converted to OS X format: CR (carriage return)
Document with LF4Line breaks are converted to Unix format: LF (line feed)

By default, when you omit the breakMode parameter, line breaks are processed in native mode (1).

Returned value

Text of the file.

Example

Given the following text document (fields are separated by tabs):

id name price vat
3 thé 1.06€ 19.6
2 café 1.05€ 19.6

When you execute this code:

 $myFile:=Folder(fk documents folder).file("Billing.txt") //UTF-8 by default
$txt:=$myFile.getText()

... you get the following for $txt:

"id\tname\tprice\tvat\r\n3\tthé\t1.06€\t19.6\r\n2\tcafé\t1.05€\t19.6"

with \t (tab) as separator and \r\n (CRLF) as line delimiter.

Here is another example with the same file, but a different line delimiter:

 $txt:=$myFile.getText("UTF-8"; Document with LF)

In this case, the contents of $txt are as follows:

"id\tname\tprice\tvat\n3\tthé\t1.06€\t19.6\n2\tcafé\t1.05€\t19.6"

This time \n (LF) is used as line delimiter.

.hidden

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ReleaseChanges
17 R5Added

.hidden : Boolean

Description

The .hidden property returns true if the file is set as "hidden" at the system level, and false otherwise.

This property is read/write.

.isAlias

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ReleaseChanges
17 R5Added

.isAlias : Boolean

Description

The .isAlias property returns true if the file is an alias, a shortcut, or a symbolic link, and false otherwise.

This property is read-only.

.isFile

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ReleaseChanges
17 R5Added

.isFile : Boolean

Description

The .isFile property returns always true for a file.

This property is read-only.

.isFolder

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17 R5Added

.isFolder : Boolean

Description

The .isFolder property returns always false for a file.

This property is read-only.

.isWritable

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17 R5Added

.isWritable : Boolean

Description

The .isWritable property returns true if the file exists on disk and is writable.

The property checks the ability of the 4D application to write on the disk (access rights), it does not solely rely on the writable attribute of the file.

This property is read-only.

Example

 $myFile:=File("C:\\Documents\\Archives\\ReadMe.txt";fk platform path)
If($myFile.isWritable)
$myNewFile:=$myFile.setText("Added text")
End if

.modificationDate

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ReleaseChanges
17 R5Added

.modificationDate : Date

Description

The .modificationDate property returns the date of the file's last modification.

This property is read-only.

.modificationTime

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17 R5Added

.modificationTime : Time

Description

The .modificationTime property returns the time of the file's last modification (expressed as a number of seconds beginning at 00:00).

This property is read-only.

.moveTo()

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ReleaseChanges
17 R5Added

.moveTo( destinationFolder : 4D.Folder { ; newName : Text } ) : 4D.File

ParameterTypeDescription
destinationFolder4D.Folder->Destination folder
newNameText->Full name for the moved file
Result4D.File<-Moved file

Description

The .moveTo() function moves or renames the File object into the specified destinationFolder.

The destinationFolder must exist on disk, otherwise an error is generated.

By default, the file retains its name when moved. If you want to rename the moved file, pass the new full name in the newName parameter. The new name must comply with naming rules (e.g., it must not contain characters such as ":", "/", etc.), otherwise an error is returned.

Returned object

The moved File object.

Example

$DocFolder:=Folder(fk documents folder)
$myFile:=$DocFolder.file("Current/Infos.txt")
$myFile.moveTo($DocFolder.folder("Archives");"Infos_old.txt")

.name

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ReleaseChanges
17 R5Added

.name : Text

Description

The .name property returns the name of the file without extension (if any).

This property is read-only.

.open()

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ReleaseChanges
19 R7Added

.open( { mode : Text } ) : 4D.FileHandle
.open( { options : Object } ) : 4D.FileHandle

ParameterTypeDescription
modeText->Opening mode: "read", "write", "append"
optionsObject->Opening options
Result4D.FileHandle<-New File handle object

Description

The .open() function creates and returns a new 4D.FileHandle object on the file, in the specified mode or with the specified options. You can use functions and properties of the 4D.FileHandle class to write, read, or append contents to the file.

If you use the mode (text) parameter, pass the opening mode for the file handle:

modeDescription
"read"(Default) Creates a file handle to read values from the file. If the file does not exist on disk, an error is returned. You can open as many file handles as you want in "read" mode on the same File object.
"write"Creates a file handle to write values to the file (starting at the beginning of the file content). If the file does not exist on disk, it is created. You can open only one file handle in "write" mode on the same File object.
"append"Creates a file handle to write values to the file (starting at the end of the file content). If the file does not exist on disk, it is created. You can open only one file handle in "append" mode on the same File object.

The mode value is case sensitive.

If you use the options (object) parameter, you can pass more options for the file handle through the following properties (these properties can be read afterwards from the opened file handle object):

optionsTypeDescriptionDefault
.modeTextOpening mode (see mode above)"read"
.charsetTextCharset used when reading from or writing to the file. Use the standard name of the set (for example "ISO-8859-1" or "UTF-8")"UTF-8"
.breakModeReadText or NumberProcessing mode for line breaks used when reading in the file (see below)"native" or 1
.breakModeWriteText or NumberProcessing mode for line breaks used when writing to the file (see below)"native" or 1

The function replaces all original end-of-line delimiters. By default, the native delimiter is used, but you can define another delimiter. The .breakModeRead and .breakModeWrite indicate the processing to apply to end-of-line characters in the document. You can use one of the following values (text or number):

Break mode as textBreak mode as number (constant)Description
"native"1 (Document with native format)(Default) Line breaks are converted to the native format of the operating system: LF (line feed) under macOS, CRLF (carriage return + line feed) under Windows
"crlf"2 (Document with CRLF)Line breaks are converted to CRLF (carriage return + line feed), the default Windows format
"cr"3 (Document with CR)Line breaks are converted to CR (carriage return), the default Classic Mac OS format
"lf"4 (Document with LF)Line breaks are converted to LF (line feed), the default Unix and macOS format

The break mode as text value is case sensitive.

Example

You want to create a file handle for reading the "ReadMe.txt" file:

var $f : 4D.File
var $fhandle : 4D.FileHandle

$f:=File("C:\\Documents\\Archives\\ReadMe.txt";fk platform path)
$fhandle:=$f.open("read")

.original

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17 R5Added

.original : 4D.File
.original : 4D.Folder

Description

The .original property returns the target element for an alias, a shortcut, or a symbolic link file. The target element can be:

  • a file object
  • a folder object

For non-alias files, the property returns the same file object as the file.

This property is read-only.

.parent

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ReleaseChanges
17 R5Added

.parent : 4D.Folder

Description

The .parent property returns the parent folder object of the file. If the path represents a system path (e.g., "/DATA/"), the system path is returned.

This property is read-only.

.path

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17 R5Added

.path : Text

Description

The .path property returns the POSIX path of the file. If the path represents a filesystem (e.g., "/DATA/"), the filesystem is returned.

This property is read-only.

.platformPath

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17 R5Added

.platformPath : Text

Description

The .platformPath property returns the path of the file expressed with the current platform syntax.

This property is read-only.

.rename()

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17 R5Added

.rename( newName : Text ) : 4D.File

ParameterTypeDescription
newNameText->New full name for the file
Result4D.File<-Renamed file

Description

The .rename() function renames the file with the name you passed in newName and returns the renamed File object.

The newName parameter must comply with naming rules (e.g., it must not contain characters such as ":", "/", etc.), otherwise an error is returned. If a file with the same name already exists, an error is returned.

Note that the function modifies the full name of the file, i.e. if you do not pass an extension in newName, the file will have a name without an extension.

Returned object

The renamed File object.

Example

You want to rename "ReadMe.txt" in "ReadMe_new.txt":

 $toRename:=File("C:\\Documents\\Archives\\ReadMe.txt";fk platform path)
$newName:=$toRename.rename($toRename.name+"_new"+$toRename.extension)

.setAppInfo()

History
ReleaseChanges
20Support of WinIcon
19Added

.setAppInfo( info : Object )

ParameterTypeDescription
infoObject->Properties to write in .exe/.dll version resource or .plist file

Description

The .setAppInfo() function writes the info properties as information contents of a .exe, .dll or .plist file.

The function must be used with an existing .exe, .dll or .plist file. If the file does not exist on disk or is not a valid .exe, .dll or .plist file, the function does nothing (no error is generated).

The function only supports .plist files in xml format (text-based). An error is returned if it is used with a .plist file in binary format.

info parameter object with a .exe or .dll file

Writing a .exe or .dll file information is only possible on Windows.

Each valid property set in the info object parameter is written in the version resource of the .exe or .dll file. Available properties are (any other property will be ignored):

PropertyTypeComment
InternalNameText
ProductNameText
CompanyNameText
LegalCopyrightText
ProductVersionText
FileDescriptionText
FileVersionText
OriginalFilenameText
WinIconTextPosix path of .ico file. This property applies only to 4D generated executable files.

For all properties except WinIcon, if you pass a null or empty text as value, an empty string is written in the property. If you pass a value type different from text, it is stringified.

For the WinIcon property, if the icon file does not exist or has an incorrect format, an error is generated.

info parameter object with a .plist file

Each valid property set in the info object parameter is written in the .plist file as a key. Any key name is accepted. Value types are preserved when possible.

If a key set in the info parameter is already defined in the .plist file, its value is updated while keeping its original type. Other existing keys in the .plist file are left untouched.

To define a Date type value, the format to use is a json timestamp string formated in ISO UTC without milliseconds ("2003-02-01T01:02:03Z") like in the Xcode plist editor.

Example

  // set copyright, version and icon of a .exe file (Windows)
var $exeFile; $iconFile : 4D.File
var $info : Object
$exeFile:=File(Application file; fk platform path)
$iconFile:=File("/RESOURCES/myApp.ico")
$info:=New object
$info.LegalCopyright:="Copyright 4D 2023"
$info.ProductVersion:="1.0.0"
$info.WinIcon:=$iconFile.path
$exeFile.setAppInfo($info)
  // set some keys in an info.plist file (all platforms)
var $infoPlistFile : 4D.File
var $info : Object
$infoPlistFile:=File("/RESOURCES/info.plist")
$info:=New object
$info.Copyright:="Copyright 4D 2023" //text
$info.ProductVersion:=12 //integer
$info.ShipmentDate:="2023-04-22T06:00:00Z" //timestamp
$info.CFBundleIconFile:="myApp.icns" //for macOS
$infoPlistFile.setAppInfo($info)

See also

.getAppInfo()

.setContent()

History
ReleaseChanges
17 R5Added

.setContent ( content : Blob )

ParameterTypeDescription
contentBLOB->New contents for the file

Description

The .setContent( ) function rewrites the entire content of the file using the data stored in the content BLOB. For information on BLOBs, please refer to the BLOB section.

Example

 $myFile:=Folder(fk documents folder).file("Archives/data.txt")
$myFile.setContent([aTable]aBlobField)

.setText()

History
ReleaseChanges
19 R3Default for new projects: no BOM and (macOS) LF for EOL
17 R5Added

.setText ( text : Text {; charSetName : Text { ; breakMode : Integer } } )
.setText ( text : Text {; charSetNum : Integer { ; breakMode : Integer } } )

ParameterTypeDescription
textText->Text to store in the file
charSetNameText->Name of character set
charSetNumInteger->Number of character set
breakModeInteger->Processing mode for line breaks

Description

The .setText() function writes text as the new contents of the file.

If the file referenced in the File object does not exist on the disk, it is created by the function. When the file already exists on the disk, its prior contents are erased, except if it is already open, in which case, its contents are locked and an error is generated.

In text, pass the text to write to the file. It can be a literal ("my text"), or a 4D text field or variable.

Optionally, you can designate the character set to be used for writing the contents. You can pass either:

  • in charSetName, a string containing the standard set name (for example "ISO-8859-1" or "UTF-8"),
  • or in charSetNum, the MIBEnum ID (number) of the standard set name.

For the list of character sets supported by 4D, refer to the description of the CONVERT FROM TEXT command.

If a Byte Order Mark (BOM) exists for the character set, 4D inserts it into the file unless the character set used contains the suffix "-no-bom" (e.g. "UTF-8-no-bom"). If you do not specify a character set, by default 4D uses the "UTF-8" character set without BOM.

In breakMode, you can pass a number indicating the processing to apply to end-of-line characters before saving them in the file. The following constants, found in the System Documents theme, are available:

ConstantValueComment
Document unchanged0No processing
Document with native format1(Default) Line breaks are converted to the native format of the operating system: LF (line feed) on macOS, CRLF (carriage return + line feed) on Windows
Document with CRLF2Line breaks are converted to CRLF (carriage return + line feed), the default Windows format
Document with CR3Line breaks are converted to CR (carriage return), the default Classic Mac OS format
Document with LF4Line breaks are converted to LF (line feed), the default Unix and macOS format

By default, when you omit the breakMode parameter, line breaks are processed in native mode (1).

Compatibility Note: Compatibility options are available for EOL and BOM management. See Compatibility page on doc.4d.com.

Example

$myFile:=File("C:\\Documents\\Hello.txt";fk platform path)
$myFile.setText("Hello world")

.size

History
ReleaseChanges
17 R5Added

.size : Real

Description

The .size property returns the size of the file expressed in bytes. If the file does not exist on disk, the size is 0.

This property is read-only.