read txt file via client javascript

Question

I'm new to javascript and trying to open a txt file into var and then inject it to html div... I tried to use fopen but I didn't succeed.

<script type="text/javascript">
file = fopen(getScriptPath("info.txt"), 0);


file_length = flength(file);
var content = fread(file,file_length);
var div = document.getElementById("myDiv");
//alert(div);
div.innerHTML = "";
div.innerHTML = content;
</script>

What makes you think JavaScript has an fopen? Where is this text file? Do you mean a text/plain HTTP resource at the URL 'info.txt' (relative to where the document is)? — Quentin
– Quentin, Commented Nov 15, 2011 at 13:43
You try to mix PHP and JavaScript in an inappropriate way. Learn to differ between the two first, then you can go on programming. — yunzen
– yunzen, Commented Nov 15, 2011 at 13:45
Short answer, can't be done this way. Javascript is clientside. Which means you can play around with whatever information you have on your screen. If you want to play around with other resources, you will have to use ajax and some sort of script (php, apx) — OptimusCrime
– OptimusCrime, Commented Nov 15, 2011 at 13:45
Did u read the other questions on the same topic in SO? stackoverflow.com/questions/4950567/… - Duplicate of this. — Ashwin Krishnamurthy
– Ashwin Krishnamurthy, Commented Nov 15, 2011 at 13:45

Freek8 · Accepted Answer · 2011-11-15 13:46:17Z

11

Although it says xml request this works perfectly fine for txt files too (server and client side).

if (window.XMLHttpRequest)
{// code for IE7+, Firefox, Chrome, Opera, Safari
    xmlhttp=new XMLHttpRequest();
}
else
{// code for IE6, IE5
    xmlhttp=new ActiveXObject("Microsoft.XMLHTTP");
}
xmlhttp.open("GET","YOUR_FILE.txt",false);
xmlhttp.send();
xmlDoc=xmlhttp.responseText;

answered Nov 15, 2011 at 13:46

Freek8

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7 Comments

Freek8 Over a year ago

Nice. Please set this answer as accepted answer if it was useful.

Dennis Over a year ago

@Freek8: Common sense suggests that you cannot use XMLHttpRequest to read files from the client machine.

Freek8 Over a year ago

The QA says he would like to read a text file with javascript. I assume he is working client side, hence this solution works. Since it works, what is the problem?

Taifun Over a year ago

great answer! Thank you @Freek8! I used your snippet to read a text file in App Inventor puravidaapps.com/read.php

Fiona Runge Over a year ago

I think by now the File API is also a solution w3.org/TR/FileAPI . A tutorial can be found here: htmlgoodies.com/beyond/javascript/…

|

Dennis · Accepted Answer · 2011-11-15 13:47:44Z

8

JavaScript has none of the functions you are trying to use.

To read files on the server in JavaScript, you can use XMLHttpRequest.

There is no easy way to read files on the client machine.

answered Nov 15, 2011 at 13:47

Dennis

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1 Comment

Elad Over a year ago

Thanks all, That was one of the quickest answers i got :)

Leandro Barreto · Accepted Answer · 2012-12-07 11:29:59Z

6

abandoned question:

if (window.XMLHttpRequest)
{// code for IE7+, Firefox, Chrome, Opera, Safari
    xmlhttp=new XMLHttpRequest();
}
else
{// code for IE6, IE5
    xmlhttp=new ActiveXObject("Microsoft.XMLHTTP");
}
xmlhttp.open("GET","YOUR_FILE.txt",false);
xmlhttp.send();
xmlDoc=xmlhttp.responseText;

by Freek8

edited Dec 7, 2012 at 11:29

Leandro Barreto

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answered Nov 15, 2011 at 13:47

badfur

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1 Comment

Quentin Over a year ago

There is no sign of ASP in the question. There is DOM though, which suggests client side JS.

Bikonja · Accepted Answer · 2011-11-15 13:44:52Z

5

For security reasons, Javascript is made so you can not do this. However, a person has made a workaround which may work and posted it here.

Ok, I realize, it only works for files that are publicly accessbile on the server, which I believe is not what you want to do. Still, if you do find a way, it will be a hack like this, but it could also be fixed to not work at any time.

answered Nov 15, 2011 at 13:44

Bikonja

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3 Comments

Darin Dimitrov Over a year ago

That's true for client side javascript. You can perfectly fine read files on server side javascript. For example node.js.

Elad Over a year ago

I found this link which explain how to do it... ehow.com/how_5996745_read-file-html-script-javascript.html BUT it didn't work

Bikonja Over a year ago

Yes, I realized at the moment I posted it. My bad.

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