Reads a binary file (such as an executable or image file) on the server, into a binary object parameter that you can use in the page. To send it through a web protocol (such as HTTP or SMTP) or store it in a database, first convert it to Base64 using the ToBase64 function.
Note: This action reads the file into a variable in the local Variables scope. It is not intended for use with large files, such as logs, because they can bring down the server.
<cffile
action = "readBinary"
file = "full_path_name"
variable = "var_name">
| Attribute | Req/Opt | Default | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
|
action |
Required |
|
Type of file manipulation that the tag performs. |
|
file |
Required |
|
Pathname of a binary fine to read. If not an absolute path (starting a with a drive letter and a colon, or a forward or backward slash), it is relative to the ColdFusion temporary directory, which is returned by the GetTempDirectory function. |
|
variable |
Required |
|
Name of variable to contain contents of binary file. |
You convert the binary file to Base64 to transfer it to another site.
The following example reads the binary file somewhere.jpg, writes it to a different folder as somewhereB.jpg, and then displays the new file:
<cffile action = "readBinary" file = "C:\inetpub\wwwroot\cfdocs\getting_started\photos\somewhere.jpg" variable = "aBinaryObj"> <!--- Output binary object to JPEG format for viewing. ---> <cffile action="write" file = "c:\files\updates\somewhereB.jpg" output = "#toBinary(aBinaryObj)#"> <!--- HTML to view image. ---> <img src="C:\files\updates\somewhereB.jpg">