If you’re an internet user, you’ve probably downloaded and uploaded quite a few files. Downloading is the process of receiving data or a file from another computer, while uploading is the process of sending data or a file to a remote destination on the internet. There are many ways to send or receive documents and media on the internet, including dragging files into web browsers, posting photos or videos on Instagram or Facebook, using peer-to-peer (P2P) applications, or attaching files to email.
If your application needs to take in data from users, such as KYC documents or audio and video content, it may need to optimize the file size and convert them into a compatible format. Fortunately, there are several utilities that allow you to do so. Most of these can be integrated as a JavaScript file upload API or plugin within your app and are available on a number of platforms and languages, such as Angular, PHP, React, iOS, and Android. Moreover, some of these tools offer a generous free plan that can be used to test the functionality before making a purchase.
The most common way to upload files is by using a Web browser. When you click the “upload” button on a website, your computer starts transmitting that file from your local hard drive to the server hosting the website, using Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP). The Web browser is then responsible for delivering the file to the user’s device.
Alternatively, you can use an FTP program to connect to your server and upload files manually. This method is similar to using a Web browser, but requires more technical knowledge and expertise since you must enter the correct connection details to establish a secure connection. The good thing about using an FTP program is that you can access the file on your server from any location, so it’s a convenient tool for large uploads.
Other tools that can upload files include Notepad++, DreamWeaver, and JavaScript. These programs typically create a directory on the local computer where you can save your files, and also enable you to modify and edit them as necessary. If you’re working with a large amount of files, you can use these programs to compress or organize them into folders for easy access.
The best uploader can provide a high success rate for your users, which is important because failed uploads can deter them from using the service and potentially negatively impact your business. For example, if your application fails to finish a video upload or loses data during transmission, it can deter the user from trying again. The best uploader can adapt to network conditions and split up a large file into smaller chunks for more optimized uploading. It can also apply image transformations, such as resizing and stripping EXIF data, to optimize the files before they’re delivered to the end user. This is a feature that can improve the user experience and increase your application’s credibility.