How Can I Trigger a File Download with a Button Click Using AJAX?

Downloading Files Using AJAX Requests

In this article, we address a common question that arises when using AJAX requests: "How can I initiate a file download upon button click?"

To begin with, the provided code attempts to trigger a file download using an AJAX request to "download.php." However, this approach falls short as AJAX requests cannot directly initiate downloads.

Instead, there are two alternative solutions:

1. Using a Success Function:
   In this method, an AJAX request is made, and upon successful completion, the browser is redirected to "download.php" to prompt the download.

   $.ajax({
       url: 'download.php',
       type: 'POST',
       success: function() {
           window.location = 'download.php';
       }
   });

2. Using window.location (Recommended):
   This is the most straightforward approach and involves bypassing the AJAX request altogether by directly navigating to the download URL.

   window.location = 'download.php';

It's worth noting that browsers now support the download attribute, which simplifies file downloads and eliminates the need for AJAX or window navigation. However, its compatibility may vary across browsers.

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