Question

I’m trying to create a HTTP handler to handle all requests to a folder but I only want it to fire if the files requested don’t exist (EG: Request comes in for file X, if X exists I’d like to serve the file, otherwise the handler should deal with it).

The files will only be static content, not scripts themselves, which I assume makes it a bit easier but I can’t seem to find anything that will do the trick… Anyone have any ideas? I assume it can be done since the IIS7 rewrite module can manage it, but I can’t see how…

Edit Just to clarify… the handler is the typical case and it is not an error-handling routine but actually delivering appropriate content. I just want the ability to add new files to the folder either as separate things or as overloads to what the handler would deliver.

Answer 1

I’ve ended up sticking with a handler and instead using the following to solve the problem:

if (File.Exists(context.Request.PhysicalPath)) context.Response.TransmitFile(context.Request.PhysicalPath);
else { /* Standard handling */ }

Given so many people advocated Modules and catching exceptions I feel I should clarify why I didn’t listen:

1. This is standard program flow, as such I don’t like the idea of using an exception to trigger it unless it becomes absolutely necessary.
2. This is actually returning content under normal circumstances. The idea of a HttpModule actually handling typical requests rather than just doing some basic shared processing and handling edge-cases seems a bit off. As such I prefer to use a HttpHandler as it is handling the typical requests.