Category: Web APIs

If you enjoy this storytelling approach to learning, feel free to give it a like or share it with others who might appreciate it too!

I’m on a long hiking expedition, navigating through a dense, forest. This forest represents the large files I need to upload or download using the Fetch API. Just like a forest, these files can be and overwhelming, requiring careful planning and execution to traverse.

First, I prepare my backpack, which is like setting up the Fetch API with the necessary configurations. I ensure I have all the essentials: a sturdy water bottle, a map, and perhaps a compass. In the world of Fetch, this means setting up the request method, headers, and any necessary authentication tokens.

As I begin my journey, I encounter a series of checkpoints on the trail. These checkpoints are like the chunks of data I process when dealing with large files. I can’t just rush through; I need to break the journey into manageable parts. Similarly, when handling large file uploads or downloads, I break the data into smaller chunks. This is often done using streams, allowing me to process data incrementally rather than all at once.

Each checkpoint requires me to pause, assess my surroundings, and ensure I’m on the right path. In the same way, I handle each data chunk with care, checking for any errors or issues before moving on to the next. This approach helps in managing memory efficiently and prevents overwhelming the system, just as pacing myself prevents fatigue during the hike.

As I progress deeper into the forest, I might encounter unexpected obstacles—a fallen tree or a sudden rain shower. In the world of large file handling with Fetch, these are the errors or network issues that might arise. I stay prepared with a raincoat or a plan to navigate around the tree. In code, I use error handling mechanisms to ensure the process can recover gracefully.

Finally, after a long but carefully managed journey, I reach the end of the trail, having successfully navigated the forest. This is akin to successfully completing the upload or download process. By breaking the journey into parts and handling each with care, I ensure a smooth and efficient experience.

And just like that, I’ve used the Fetch API to handle large files, turning what could be a daunting task into an exciting outdoor expedition!

Here’s how I might set up the Fetch API to handle streaming a large file:

async function downloadLargeFile(url) {
  const response = await fetch(url);

  if (!response.ok) {
    throw new Error(`Failed to fetch the file: ${response.statusText}`);
  }

  const reader = response.body.getReader();
  const decoder = new TextDecoder();
  let receivedLength = 0;
  let chunks = [];

  while (true) {
    const { done, value } = await reader.read();

    if (done) {
      break;
    }

    chunks.push(value);
    receivedLength += value.length;

    const chunkText = decoder.decode(value, { stream: true });
    console.log(`Received chunk of ${chunkText.length} characters`);
  }

  const fullText = chunks.reduce((acc, chunk) => acc + decoder.decode(chunk), '');
  console.log('Download complete:', fullText);
}

In this code, fetch(url) is like the map and compass guiding my journey. The reader allows me to process the file in chunks, just as I would pause and assess my surroundings at each checkpoint. I handle each chunk with care, ensuring I check for errors, much like navigating around obstacles in the forest.

For uploads, I might use a similar approach, sending chunks of data to avoid overwhelming the server:

async function uploadLargeFile(url, file) {
  const CHUNK_SIZE = 1024 * 1024; // 1MB chunk size
  const totalChunks = Math.ceil(file.size / CHUNK_SIZE);

  for (let chunkIndex = 0; chunkIndex < totalChunks; chunkIndex++) {
    const start = chunkIndex * CHUNK_SIZE;
    const end = Math.min(start + CHUNK_SIZE, file.size);
    const chunk = file.slice(start, end);

    const response = await fetch(url, {
      method: 'POST',
      headers: {
        'Content-Type': 'application/octet-stream',
      },
      body: chunk,
    });

    if (!response.ok) {
      throw new Error(`Failed to upload chunk ${chunkIndex + 1}: ${response.statusText}`);
    }

    console.log(`Uploaded chunk ${chunkIndex + 1}/${totalChunks}`);
  }

  console.log('Upload complete');
}

Here, I slice the file into manageable chunks, just as I break down the trail into segments. Each chunk is uploaded independently, ensuring I don’t carry too much weight at once, similar to how I would manage my load during the hike.

Key Takeaways:

• Streams and Chunking: Just like breaking a hike into manageable parts, handling large files with streams allows for incremental processing, avoiding overload.
• Error Handling: Always anticipate obstacles—use error handling to ensure robustness when network issues arise.
• Efficiency: By processing in chunks, both memory and network efficiency are improved, akin to pacing oneself during a long journey.