Scripting the File System, Part I

In this column we embark on a series of columns on how to use JavaScript to access the computer's file system. JavaScript has a very rich ensemble of methods and properties to create, manipulate, and manage drives, files, and folders. You can use JavaScript as you would any other modern programming languages. For example, you can use it to open and close files, write to a file, read from it, etc.

In this column we focus on the FileSystemObject object, and its properties and methods. This object is part of Microsoft' Scripting Engine, and thus this column is applicable only to Microsoft Windows operating systems. We'll devote next installments of this series to second-level objects of FileSystemObject.

In this column you will learn:

• How to use FileSystemObject object
• How to use BuildPath(), CopyFile(), CopyFolder(), and CreateFolder()
• How to use CreateTextFile(), DeleteFile(), DeleteFolder(), and DriveExists()
• How to use FileExists(), FolderExists(), GetAbsolutePathName(), and GetBaseName()
• How to use GetDriveName(), GetExtensionName(), GetFileName(), GetParentFolderName(), and GetSpecialFolder()
• How to use GetTempName(), MoveFile(), MoveFolder(), and OpenTextFile()
• How to use GetFile()
• How to use GetFolder()
• How to use Drives and GetDrive()

Next: How to use FileSystemObject object