->> Storage <<-

In the vast cosmos of digital domain, managing the delicate fabric of data, be it localized or distant, is an endeavor of critical significance. The Storage module emerges as your dependable conduit to navigate through the manifold avenues of file storage, both local and remote, ensuring a seamless symbiosis between your application and the data it cradles. Access this module via the cosmic gateway C::Storage()->..., and venture into the realm of file storage with precision and ease.

->> Working with Local Files Manually

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In the quest of mastering the digital realm, engaging with the local file system is a fundamental endeavor. This section unveils a suite of methods designed to provide a streamlined interface for manual interactions with local files, nested within the web space. The methods are bifurcated into two categories: one aiding in the discovery and organization of paths, and the other facilitating easy handling of directories and files. Embark on this segment of the journey with a structured approach to local file management.

-> Methods for Paths

Method Syntax Description
getAppPath getAppPath(): string Retrieves the absolute path to "app" directory.
getAssetsPath getAssetsPath(): string Retrieves the absolute path to "assets" directory.
getBasePath getBasePath(): string Retrieves the absolute path to app's base directory.
getVarPath getVarPath(): string Retrieves the absolute path to "var" directory.
getLogPath getLogPath(): string Retrieves the absolute path to "var/logs" directory.
getCachePath getCachePath(): string Retrieves the absolute path to "var/cache" directory.
getDataPath getDataPath(): string Retrieves the absolute path to "data" directory.
getModulePath getModulePath($module): string Retrieves the absolute path to base directory of a specific module.

-> Methods for Easy Handling

Method Syntax Description
createDirectoriesIfNotExisting createDirectoriesIfNotExisting(string $path, int $mode = 0777): bool Ensures the existence of directories along the specified path, creating them if necessary.
deleteFileIfExists deleteFileIfExists(string $file) : bool Deletes a file if it exists.
pathToUrl pathToUrl(string $path): string Converts an absolute path to a URL (only applicable for paths within app's directory structure).
urlToPath urlToPath(string $url): string Converts a URL to an absolute path (only applicable for paths within app's directory structure).
scanDir scanDir($path, int $sorting_order = 0): array | false Retrieves all files and directories within a specified directory, excluding "." and "..".

->> Using the Filesystem API

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Leverage the Filesystem API to engage with the data and var directories effortlessly. Extend its realm to custom directories or FTP/SFTP storages, and interact with the Filesystem instances as dictated by the Flysystem documentation, which this is based on.

$content = json_encode($my_data);

try {
    C::Storage()->get('data')->write('/exports/example.json', $content);
} catch (FilesystemError | UnableToWriteFile $exception) {
    // Handle error
}

// ...

try {
    $response = C::Storage()->get('data')->read('/exports/example.json');
    $content = json_decode($response);
} catch (FilesystemError | UnableToReadFile $exception) {
    // handle the error
}

-> Adding Storages

Elevate your storage capabilities by defining additional storage configurations in your app/Config/main.yaml.

Here are some example storages:

storages:
  mycustomdir:
    type: 'local'
    path: '/mnt/data/mycustomdir'
  myftp:
    type: 'ftp'
    host: 'example.com'
    username: 'example_user'
    password: 'Duk3Nuk3m!'
    port: 21
  mysftp:
    type: 'sftp'
    host: 'example.com'
    username: 'foo'
    password: 'bar'

Access these storages via C::Storage()->get($name);. Valid storage names in this example are: data, var, mycustomdir, myftp, mysftp.

->> Working with images

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In a digital cosmos adorned with multimedia, images often emerge as the quintessence of user interaction and engagement. Whether it's crafting a vibrant profile avatar or accommodating a myriad of user uploads, managing images with adeptness is pivotal. Charm extends its embrace to the realm of image manipulation through the integration of the renowned claviska/SimpleImage class, encapsulated within Charm's own Image class.

-> Image Manipulation

Charm's Image class, a descendant of SimpleImage, inherits the bounty of image manipulation methods SimpleImage affords, thereby enabling a streamlined and potent handling of images within your application.

Consider an instance where an uploaded image is to be resized to the dimensions of 250x250 pixels and saved as a JPEG image; the following code snippet elucidates this process:

$uid = C::Guard()->getUserId();
$file = C::Request()->getFile('avatar');
if($file) {
    $img = new Image()->fromFile($file)
                      ->autoOrient()
                      ->thumbnail(250, 250);

    C::Storage()->get('data')
                ->write('users/' . $uid . '/avatar.jpg',
                        $img->toString('image/jpeg', 75));
}

In this illustration, an image uploaded through a form is acquired, resized, and stored within the data storage under a user-specific directory, all with a few succinct lines of code.

-> Discover More with SimpleImage

Dive deeper into the vast ocean of image manipulation possibilities with SimpleImage. Explore the array of methods it provides for a multitude of image operations including, but not limited to, resizing, cropping, color adjustments, and much more.

Explore the SimpleImage repository to unveil the extensive capabilities it brings to the table.

->> Conclusion

With the Storage module as your companion, traverse the intricate pathways of file storage, be it local or remote, with ease and precision. The methods and configurations it provides empower you to handle files and directories meticulously, ensuring a harmonious interplay between your application and the data it interacts with.

With the addition of image handling capabilities, the Storage module further solidifies its standing as a robust and comprehensive solution for managing a wide spectrum of file storage and manipulation tasks. The amalgamation of SimpleImage's prowess with Charm's elegant design provides a seamless and powerful medium for image processing, thereby enriching the user experience and facilitating a more vibrant and interactive application landscape.