How to Get Full Path of Uploaded File in HTML Using Javascript

Uploading files is a common task in web development, but retrieving the complete path of an uploaded file can be challenging. This article describes how to use JavaScript to retrieve the complete path of a submitted file in HTML.

HTML File Input Element

The HTML file input element permits users to choose a file to upload. It is defined with an input element whose type attribute is set to “file.” For instance:

<input type="file" name="myfile">

This produces a file input control with a button that launches a file dialog. The file’s name is displayed in the input field when the user selects a file.

The Complete Route

For security considerations, web browsers by default do not display the complete file path of uploaded files. However, JavaScript provides methods for obtaining the complete path.

Solution One: Implementing File API

The File API provides a method for accessing the contents of files specified via the file input interface. Additionally, it provides information about the file, including its name and format. The following code demonstrates how to use the File API to retrieve the file’s complete path:

<input type="file" id="myFile">
<script>
    var input = document.getElementById('myFile');
    input.addEventListener('change', function() {
        var fullPath = input.value;
        console.log(fullPath);
    });
</script>

In this code, an event listener is added to the file input control that listens for the change event. When the user selects a file, the event is triggered, and the input’s value is retrieved using the value property. The value of the input is the complete path to the chosen file.
Note that only modern web browsers that support the File API are compatible with this method.

SolutionTwo: Employing a Concealed Input Control

Using a concealed input control is an alternative method for obtaining the complete path of the uploaded file. This control is used to maintain the complete file path, and it is updated whenever the user selects a new file. The code below demonstrates how to use a concealed input control to retrieve the complete path of the uploaded file.

<input type="file" id="myFile" onchange="updatePath(this)">
<input type="hidden" id="fullPath" name="fullPath">

<script>
    function updatePath(input) {
        var fullPath = input.value;
        document.getElementById('fullPath').value = fullPath;
        console.log(fullPath);
    }
</script>

In this code, we attach a onchange event handler to the file input control that calls the updatePath function. This function retrieves the complete path of the specified file and modifies the hidden input control’s value accordingly. In conjunction with the published file, the value of the concealed input control is sent to the server.

Conclusion

Obtaining the complete path of a file submitted using HTML and JavaScript can be difficult, but it is possible using the File API or a concealed input control. Both methods have advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of method is dependent on the application’s particular needs. By implementing the techniques outlined in this article, you can easily retrieve the complete path of an uploaded file and use it to enhance the functionality of your web application.