Android Question File.DirRootExternal vs RP.GetSafeDirDefaultExternal

[PoulDK]

Hi,
I have found repeated recommendation, specifically with the newer android requirements, to no longer use File.DirRootExternal.
However these recommendations all lead to long storage folder names which include "/b4a.example/files",
and really believe me: I have been searching and reading (lengthy days) forever trying to find the info.
I am a very enthusiastic fan of B4A, but for production purposes I do not want the apps that I deliver/develop to hold that (b4a) mandatory name.
What is the way to get back using access to "/root/sdcard" or "/storage/emulated/0" for building data folders, like other apps seem to be able to do ?
Regards, Poul

 

[roumei]

I'm not sure that I understand you correctly but the folder in Android>data corresponds to your package name. Here's an example:

 

[Erel]

BTW, the default folder should be XUI.DefaultFolder which is the same as File.DirInternal.

 

[PoulDK]

Ah, see... something new to learn every day, thanks @roumei !
Still however does not bring it back to the source folders of /root/sdcard, enabling to access documents, pictures, music etc

 

[Brian Dean]

Still however does not bring it back to the source folders of /root/sdcard ...

I might be misunderstanding your point, but "Yes, it does". "File.DirRootExternal" is the "/root/sdcard" source folder (maybe a different name on different devices) that provides access to the device's internal storage. So, leaving all questions of access permissions aside (which unfortunately we cannot always do) you can use a statement like this ...

File.MakeDir(File.DirRootExternal, "My Folder")

This will create the folder "root/sdcard/My Folder" and seems to answer the question that you pose in your first post ...

What is the way to get back using access to "/root/sdcard" or "/storage/emulated/0" for building data folders, like other apps seem to be able to do ?

 

[PoulDK]

Hi @Brian Dean , thanks for the response, however the Q starts with: recommendation is to NOT use File.DirRootExternal anymore!
thus what can be used otherwise to get into the /root/sdcard base folders?

 

[Brian Dean]

(the) ... recommendation is to NOT use File.DirRootExternal anymore!

Ok - I see you confusion. Well, that is not a B4A restriction. The progressively tighter controls on memory access are being set by Google. B4A does not restrict you in any way, but works within Google's rules. The ability to read and write to storage outside of an app's private area is disappearing and applies to everybody, so the phrase "like other apps seem to be able to do" will no longer be true.

 

[PoulDK]

That will become interesting... Android(Google) restricting access to base folder (doc, pics etc) for their own apps... and not allowing 3rd parties (like MSword) to access those locations! seems to me something for a good challenging cartel legal case

 

[agraham]

You should be able to access both External(built-in) storage and removable (SD card and USB) storage using the ExternalStorage class

ExternalStorage - Access SD cards and USB sticks

Before we start: External storage means a real sd card or a connected mass storage USB device. This class can also be used to access the secondary storage (File.DirRootExternal). This becomes relevant with newer versions of Android that restrict direct access. It has nothing to do with runtime...

www.b4x.com

which implements the Storage Access Framework. This requires the user to select a base folder for the folder tree that an app can see - and it can be the root of the storage. File access is restricted to using streams but you can create and delete folders and files, and you can always copy a file to private storage to play with it and then copy it back if you need random access.

There will be a permission for certain approved apps to access all files in the storage for apps that can show they need it. If you are not putting the app in the Play Store you could use this permission in your own apps regardless - I will probably be doing so.

Manage all files on a storage device | Android Developers

developer.android.com

 

[Brian Dean]

Thank you, @agraham . That is the clearest and most comprehensive coverage that I have seen of this topic so far, and it turns up on the forum almost twice a week!

 

[PoulDK]

Hi @agraham thanks for the hint, I had actually just bumped into that article; will go and try it out.