Question

I am trying to dynamically request a file for download via a GET ajax call. I have the following client-side code:

$(function() {
    $('#submit').click(function() {
        $.ajax({
            type: "GET",
            url: "/download/" + "filename",
            dataType: "json",
            contentType: "application/json",
            complete: function() {
                console.log('Complete');
            },
            success: function() {
                console.log('Success');
            },
            error: function() {
                console.log('Error');
            }
        });
    });
});

On the node server I also have the following line (mind you, I have no idea if this is the correct way to do this)

app.get('/download/:filename', function(req, res) {
    console.log(req.params);
    res.write(fs.readFileSync(__dirname + "/../public/javascripts/main.js", 'utf8'));
});

So I want to actually download that javascript file (eventually dynamically). How would I go about doing this correctly? Something tells me I need to be specifying the headers / content type.

Answer 1

You should return with the content type and disposition set to:

Content-Type: application/octet-stream
Content-Disposition: attachment;filename=\"main.js\"

I believe you’ll have to redirect to this file though. If I’m not mistaken, you can’t force a file download via an AJAX call.