Tomcat 6 file upload strategy

java, servlets, tomcat

Solution

Personally, I place the files in a location relative to $CATALINA_BASE:

File dir = new File(System.getProperty("catalina.base"), "uploads");

Problem

I have been using tomcat for sometime and still can't find a good way to do file upload. Just wonder how you guys handle file upload. You know how you can create a symlink in the application to another fs. but then by default tomcat removes your symlink and everything within the symlink. so this add extra steps to auto deployment. I know there are patch that you can change the behavior. but that will make add extra steps to tomcat upgrade, and patch might not be available always. I use fckeditor(with it's servlet connectors), spring, struts 1/2 and sometime just plain servlet for the fileupload. What is the best way to do this? Another requirement is, uploaded file should be viewable and in a nice location so that backup script can backup easily, ideally not within the apps (or just a symlink within the apps) Any comment is welcome! =)

Original source