Request for multi-file uploads

[lpology]

Request for multi-file uploads

[LPology]

I agree. It's something that I've been thinking about lately, but I haven't yet settled on a good strategy that fits the 3 primary objectives of the plugin:

1. Wide browser compatibility (i.e., works in IE7+)
2. Progress bar support across browsers (obviously could fit within above, but merits own point)
3. Flexibility

For larger file uploads, progress support is a necessity for good user experience. Without it, users are prone to reloading the page, leaving, etc., during large uploads because they mistakenly believe the browser is frozen or the upload is stalled. IMO, progress support is a minimum requirement, and far more important than things like drag and drop.

Because so many are still using browsers that don't support the progress event (IE9 and below), I added the startNonXHR and endNonXHR methods and the newer uploadProgress.php script to allow for separate handling of progress updating for these browsers.

The challenge with multiple file uploads is to continue to allow for easy upload progress handling across browsers while maintaining a high level of flexibility. Ideally, the solution would allow for multiple progress bars - one for each file being uploaded (sort of like uploading Gmail attachments).

Needless to say, this is certainly something that would benefit from outside input. Even if it isn't code (which is obviously always welcome), but just ideas about how it could work.

[LPology]

Done. As of version 1.5, cross-browser, multiple file uploads with progress tracking are now supported. I'll have the documentation updated shortly to explain how it works.

[devtrends]

Very nice. Thanks for all your hard work. Would be good if the live demo was updated to the multiple file version or perhaps have both examples.

[LPology]

Sure thing. I just updated the demo to use the multiple file version, and I actually was planning to add examples of both single file and multiple file uploading. Hopefully in the next few days I'll be able to get that finished.

[devtrends]

thx. just tried it and was expecting to be able to select multiple files at the same time in the select dialog and then have 2 progress bars as both files are uploaded to server. looking at the demo, this doesn't seem to be happening. did I misinterpret the issue or is something not working for me (using chrome 27 so should be ok)?

[dleffler]

That (multiple file selection) was my original request (at the top), however, I have modified v1.5 and have that feature working locally for my needs (e.g., not sure how robust it may be in other scenarios). In the process of forking this repo and plan to do a pull request later this week.

[LPology]

Ah, I see what you mean. I was thinking of selecting a file to upload and then starting another upload after the first begins, which works and will result in separate progress bars.The problem is that selecting multiple files to start isn't supported by IE9 and below because those browsers don't support multiple file inputs.

I mentioned in a comment to your pull request that maybe we could make it allow multiple file inputs in browsers that support it. That might be the best we can hope for at the moment if we want to maintain wide browser compatibility.

[LPology]

I've been working on what I had mentioned about using multiple file inputs in browsers that support it. I added another branch (develop) and just pushed what I have right now. Now you should be able to select multiple files to upload. You'll mind trying it out?

[LPology]

Btw, dleffler, I reused some of your code in the version I just uploaded, so thanks for submitting that. I think this should take care of the issues with Internet Explorer.

[dleffler]

OK, it (develop branch) works in my implementation (swapped with my custom code), HOWEVER I'm not employing all the features:

• I do NOT use the enable/disable methods to change the display of my 'link' which is handled in my application (in the past 'disable' turned off file upload for the remainder of the files being uploaded)
• I do NOT use the progress bar feature as we have not need for it...we simply use an 'ajax' animated gif

[LPology]

Thanks dleffler. Version 1.5.1 now uses multiple file inputs in browsers that support the File API if multiple is true. Multiple selection now works in the demo.