Why Do Browsers Show 'C:\fakepath' When Selecting Files?

Understanding the 'C:fakepath' Issue in Browsers

When selecting files through in some browsers, users encounter the peculiar case of being presented with paths like 'C:fakepath'. This puzzling behavior, which masks the actual local file path, raises concerns regarding security and data access.

Reason Behind 'Fakepath'

To ensure user privacy, certain browsers implement a security measure that restricts JavaScript from retrieving the local file path. This prevents malicious websites from gaining sensitive information like directory structures and file names. Therefore, instead of revealing the true path, browsers present a placeholder called 'C:fakepath'.

Alternate Approaches

While this security feature is vital for protecting user data, it can be inconvenient for applications that genuinely require the full local path. To address this challenge, developers have devised several alternate methods to access file information:

• XMLHttpRequest (XHR): Using XHR, scripts can send asynchronous requests to the server and upload files whole, allowing the server to retrieve the complete path.
• WebSockets: WebSockets provide a bi-directional communication channel, enabling the server to send file information back to the client post-upload, resulting in full path access.
• Custom Back-End Logic: By designing custom logic on the server, developers can generate unique file names based on user-provided metadata, such as file size or creation timestamp. This approach enables the server to provide the fully qualified path to the client.

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