Android Question Correct place to store text files that can be read/write

[TonyVerberne]

Hi,
After checking the B4X docs I can't figure out where to store text files that will be used to populate spinners in my app. The files must be read/write (i.e. modifiable).
I would appreciate any help.
Tony

 

[josejad]

Hi Tony:

This is an Erel's suggestion:

Flow chart to help choose folder

This flow chart will help you choose the folder in all kinds of different cases: There were reasons to use other folders in the past. Those reasons are no longer relevant, mainly due to new restrictions in Android. Other options to access local and remote files...

www.b4x.com

This example can be useful too:

SaveAs - Let the user select a target folder + list of other related methods

B4A + B4i example: https://www.b4x.com/android/forum/threads/b4x-texteditor-save-and-load-external-files.132731/#post-838166 List of classes or libraries that can be used to access secondary storages: ContentChooser (Phone libray) - allows the user to select a resource or file using external...

www.b4x.com

 

[aeric]

Instead of text file, I prefer to use keyvaluestore.

[B4X] KVS - KeyValueStore library

A key / value persistent store. The data is serialized using B4XSerializator and is stored in an internal database. The database can be shared between B4A, B4i and B4J. Using KVS is similar to using a Map. You initialize it once and then you can put or get items with Put, Get or GetDefault...

www.b4x.com

 

[TonyVerberne]

Hi Tony:

This is an Erel's suggestion:

Flow chart to help choose folder

This flow chart will help you choose the folder in all kinds of different cases: There were reasons to use other folders in the past. Those reasons are no longer relevant, mainly due to new restrictions in Android. Other options to access local and remote files...

www.b4x.com

This example can be useful too:

SaveAs - Let the user select a target folder + list of other related methods

B4A + B4i example: https://www.b4x.com/android/forum/threads/b4x-texteditor-save-and-load-external-files.132731/#post-838166 List of classes or libraries that can be used to access secondary storages: ContentChooser (Phone libray) - allows the user to select a resource or file using external...

www.b4x.com

Thanks Jose. However, I want to incorporate initial versions of some text files into the app when I build it. These should then be accessible to the user and be editable. Imagine a list of plants or flowers. Such a list could be added to by the user. In the past text/data files could be included into the Files folder prior to compilation but these files are not writeable I think. Any further suggestions would be appreciated.

Tony

 

[josejad]

However, I want to incorporate initial versions of some text files into the app when I build it

So, then just copy from dirassets to XUI.DefaultFolder when you open the app for the first time. You can write in XUI.DefaultFolder

If you mean you need the user access with a file explorer to the folder to copy his own files, then check the second link I posted.

ExternalStorage - Allows accessing external (secondary) storages. Requires the user to first select the target folder. Once the user selected a folder, your app can read and write from that folder. Doesn't require any permission.
Not all folders are accessible with ExternalStorage in Android 11+. Specifically, root, Android/data and Download are not accessible: more information.

SaveAs- this code, the opposite of ContentChooser or the simpler version of ExternalStorage. Allows the user to choose the place where the file will be saved. Simple to work with and doesn't require permissions. Possible alternative to the external storage permission, which is mostly no longer available.

RuntimePermissions.GetSafeDirDefaultExternal - A folder on the secondary storage, where your app can access without permissions. The path is a bit cumbersome (Log it to see).

 

[TonyVerberne]

Thank you Jose. That makes sense.

Best wishes,

Tony