Download large files using pure HTML and MVC 3

Question

I have an application that allows users to upload files. Some of these files can be quite large. Because of this, I want to split the file (if possible) and control its download. Currently, I have a basic HTML form that submits back to my MVC controller.

[AcceptVerbs(HttpVerbs.Post)] public ActionResult UploadFile(IEnumerable<HttpPostedFileBase> files) { // Save file here. HttpStatusCodeResult result = new HttpStatusCodeResult(200); return result; } 

This approach allows me to upload a file. However, this application is one single task. I need to be able to run the download and track its progress. Uploadify will not work in my case because it uses Flash. I have a strict No-Flash requirement.

I am open to a hybrid approach, where if the user's browser supports HTML 5, I would use the File API, otherwise I would use my current approach. However, even with HTML 5, I'm not sure how to start the download and keep track of its progress.

Can someone help me?

Thanks!

Answer 1

You can take a look at Valums AJAX upload . Personally, I have used it many times and am very pleased with it.

Functions

• multiple file selection, progress bar in FF, Chrome, Safari
• drag and drop file in ff chrome
• Download canceled.
• no external dependencies
• does not use flash
• fully works with https
• keyboard support in FF, Chrome, Safari
• tested in IE7.8; Firefox 3,3,6,4; Safari4.5; Chromium; Opera10.60;

Answer 2

I had a good experience with Plupload . It works great with jQuery user interface.

Below are some backlit features:

• Chunking
• Drag and drop
• PNG resizing
• Resize JPEG
• Type filtering
• Stream loading
• Multipage Download
• File size limit
• Download Progress
• Custom headers

It supports the following plugins / technologies for almost full use of the cross browser (with varying degrees of support for functions):

• Flash
• Gears
• HTML 5
• Silverlight
• Browserplus
• HTML 4