Question

I have interesting task which requires me to download a dynamically generated file from a server (ASP.NET) to the client. On the client side it is just JavaScript (jQuery) and the client is able to generate a lot of parameters to customize how the data is exported.

What is the best way to do download the file from the server? Should I use a WCF service such as what is described here or simple page like this one?

I don’t know how to download a file without reloading the page (I’m not sure that $.ajax will work in this case). Could someone please give me some direction on this topic? Thanks.

Answer 1

First you can create the file from a handler .ashx

Let say that you have the file for downloading at download.ashx and you have some parametres to pass from your javascript, eg download.ashx?p1=8827&p2=8831 to know what you going to create.

Then on your javascript you simple can make a redirect as

window.location = "download.ashx?p1=8827&p2=8831";

or alternative you can use the window.open for do the same think

window.open("download.ashx?p1=8827&p2=8831");

and your file will start the download.

Just make sure that you have set the header of attachment, and the correct contenttype on your handle eg:

  HttpContext.Current.Response.ContentType = "application/octet-stream";
  HttpContext.Current.Response.AddHeader("Content-Disposition", 
                    "attachment; filename=" + SaveAsThisFileName);

Simple and clear, both tested and working.

Also you may interesting on this answer: How to handle errors.