How can i create a local file using javascript?

Question

The problem is, i want to save a text file (or anything) in the local system using javascript.

javascript does not have access to the file system. This is not possible. — Amir Raminfar
– Amir Raminfar, Commented Aug 17, 2011 at 20:21
Indeed, but you can store data through other means. Is it just arbitrary data you'd want to store, or do you actually need a file somewhere? — TJHeuvel
– TJHeuvel, Commented Aug 17, 2011 at 20:21
like once the user have completed writing in an input box in the page, i want to give them the option to save as text file. — shahalpk
– shahalpk, Commented Aug 17, 2011 at 20:23
@Amir Raminfar, you're incorrect actually. Some browsers have a filesystem API, however most require that the page be loaded from a file:// path to use it. — zzzzBov
– zzzzBov, Commented Aug 17, 2011 at 20:35

Ruan Mendes · Accepted Answer · 2011-08-17 20:58:22Z

1

You can't write to the user's file system. But you initiate a file download that the user can then save wherever they'd like.

In PHP, you can just use

header('Content-Disposition: attachment; filename=file.txt'); 
echo('File contents');

answered Aug 17, 2011 at 20:58

Ruan Mendes

92.7k31 gold badges161 silver badges225 bronze badges

Sign up to request clarification or add additional context in comments.

Comments

DanBeale · Accepted Answer · 2011-10-08 10:51:50Z

1

There is no practical real world way to create a local file. However if you want to to just store data locally then try these two methods.

The old way:

The new way:

Alternatively, you could create a file with php and serve it out to the user.

DanBeale

3104 silver badges15 bronze badges

answered Aug 17, 2011 at 20:53

Caimen

2,6182 gold badges27 silver badges43 bronze badges