I store uploaded pictures in a folder while I store the path and filename in a database. Please how best can I generate unique filenames to avoid name conflict in the folder? Thanks
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I store uploaded pictures in a folder while I store the path and filename in a database. Please how best can I generate unique filenames to avoid name conflict in the folder? Thanks
Probably the closest unique value you have is the database file ID. But if you save your files in different tables this will no longer be the case (ex: ArticleFiles and NewsFiles tables). In this case you can use separate directories for separate tables, or prefixing your files.
You may also be required to upload files to the same server location from different host names. In this case you can prefix the file name with the host name used for upload.
People tend o use the time() function, but that’s mostly informative, as it doesn’t protect you against concurrent uploads. It does help you in finding the files on the disk easier, by ordering. For the same reason you may include the original extension in the file name.
In the end, use the shortest and most informative unique value or composed value you can get, like
However, be very careful with access rights on your uploads folder, as it’s a serious security risk. Do not allow execution rights, try placing it outside of the document root, check uploads for possible dangerous files, etc.