How to Manage Files on the Server/Computer with Web Based File Manager — Blog Post by HostingRecipe
A File Manager is a computer program that provides any user an interface to manage his/her files and folders. A Web-based File manager is a script written in any server-side language like PHP, Perl, Ajax, ASP and others. This web based file manager can be installed on a local or a remote server. The files/directories located on this server can now be edited and managed using the installed Web Browser. You can now copy, delete files, move files, upload/download files on your website having to use a browser. You do not need File Transfer Protocol(FTP) to access these files anymore.
The main question arises that if you already have FTP access to your website, why do we need a Web-based file manager? It is needed in the when running a website with multiple users. Suppose you want to give them access to only certain folders and not site wide access using FTP. You can easily use File Managers here.
Web-based file managers are easier to understand and use, especially if you are new to the concept of sharing and managing files. FTP clients require a separate program to access files, whereas File managers can access files simply via a web browser. You don’t even have to install an FTP client. If you are the only manager or developer of your website, even then File managers can be useful. For example, if you want to extract a file like a zip or tar.gz file from an archive onto your web server, you can install a file manager. You don’t need to have access to a shell via SSH or Telnet. Install the file manager into a password protected folder and you can now do things that you otherwise could not on your site.
If the file manager is quite advanced, it allows the administrator to configure individual and secure user accounts after getting permission from the account user. An Authorized user can access documents stored in individual user directories as well as on the server, anytime and anywhere, using a web browser. A Web-based file manager can serve the purpose of an organization’s digital repository. Digital media, documents, presentations, layouts, etc can be managed and shared between suppliers, customers, and workers. The rise of dynamic web Content Management system (CMS) has made web-based file managers even more popular. Also, the need for non-technical website operators and modifiers to manage the content and media on their websites can be powered by these platforms. For example, PHP, Javascript or net2ftp based FTP client. The PHP/AJAX web-based file manager allows your site to be accessed via FTP. If FTP is not available, you can access the local file system directly via PHP. It supports creating,removing, and renaming directories and folders. You can even edit, download, rename, or search files, view images, change file permissions, upload multiple files and more in one go.
