Virtual File System Browser
It is common for data files to reside on computer file systems that are not
connected to the computer on which the work is being performed. Such data
files are typically copied to the local computer for use. This results
in duplication of data, and often in synchronization issues, wherein it
is difficult to remember which of the many nearly identical copies of data
is the 'correct' one.
Most Java programs use file access mechanisms that require data files
be stored on locally mounted disks. This project aims to develop a data
access system that allows easy access to both remote and local data files
using programming interfaces complatible with commonly used methods of obtaining
data from local files.
The VirtualFileSystemBrowser is an interoperable replacement for the Java JFileChooser.
It supports most JFileChooser methods and functionality for local file systems, and
extends this functionality to remote file systems supporting the sFtp and ssh protocols.
A JFileChooser presents a user with a point-and-click visual interface with which to
select a file from a file system. The VFSBrowser offers a similiar
visual interface to both local and remote computers, provided the
remote computers support either the Ftp, Sftp or SSH remote file transfer protocols.
Once a user indicates to the VFSBrowser the ip address of a remote computer, and provides
an identity and authentication, the VFSBrowser manages the details of providing
a data connection to the remote computer.
The browser allows multiple simultaneous connections, reading file data, and writing files,
as allowed by the permissions of the remote computers.
Project Components
- Documentation
- Feedback
- Download Links
- Feature Wish List?
Lessons Learned
- it's good to keep track of issues.
- Document each class and have another person review the code comments.
- tests should include typical users who are not the programmer.
VFSBrowser.jar