This module adds a few extra file system methods that aren't included in the native fs
module. It is a drop in replacement for fs
.
Installation
npm install --production fs-extra
Usage
var fs = require('fs-extra');
Naming
I put a lot of thought into the naming of these function. Inspired by @coolaj86's request. So he deserves much of the credit for raising the issue. See discussion(s) here:
First, I believe that in as many cases as possible, the Node.js naming schemes should be chosen. However, there are problems with the Node.js own naming schemes.
For example, fs.readFile()
and fs.readdir()
: the F is capitalized in File and the d is not capitalized in dir. Perhaps a bit pedantic, but they should still be consistent. Also, Node.js has chosen a lot of POSIX naming schemes, which I believe is great. See: fs.mkdir()
, fs.rmdir()
, fs.chown()
, etc.
We have a dilemma though. How do you consistently name methods perform the following POSIX commands: cp
, cp -r
, mkdir -p
, and rm -rf
?
My perspective: when in doubt, err on the side of simplicity. Consider that for a moment. A directory is just a hierarchical grouping of directories and files. So when you want to copy it or remove it, in most cases you'll want to copy or remove all of its contents. When you want to create a directory, if the directory that it's suppose to be contained in does not exist, then in most cases you'll want to create that too.
So, if you want to remove a file or a directory regardless of whether it has contents, just call fs.remove(path)
or its alias fs.delete(path)
. If you want to copy a file or a directory whether it has contents, just call fs.copy(source, destination)
. If you want to create a directory regardless of whether its parent directories exist, just call fs.mkdir(path)
. (Note: you can still use the native Node.js fs.mkdir()
method by requiring fs
and calling mkdir
on that object)
Compromise
If you feel that this module should add functionality, please let me know. If you don't like the naming scheme, let me know that as well. I'm willing to work with the community so that we can develop a logical grouping of file system functions that aren't found Node.js.
Methods
NOTE: You can still use the native Node.js methods. They are copied over to fs-extra
.
copy()
Copy a file or directory. The directory can have contents. Like cp -r
. There isn't a synchronous version implemented yet.
Examples:
var fs = require('fs-extra');
fs.copy('/tmp/myfile', '/tmp/mynewfile', function(err){
if (err) {
console.error(err);
}
else {
console.log("success!")
}
});
fs.copy('/tmp/mydir', '/tmp/mynewdir'function(err){
if (err) {
console.error(err);
}
else {
console.log("success!")
}
});
remove()
Removes a file or directory. The directory can have contents. Like rm -rf
.
Alias: delete()
.
Examples:
var fs = require('fs-extra');
fs.remove('/tmp/myfile', function(err){
if (err) {
console.error(err);
}
else {
console.log("success!")
}
});
fs.removeSync('/home/jprichardson');
mkdir()
Creates a directory. If the parent hierarchy doesn't exist, it's created. Like mkdir -p
.
Examples:
var fs = require('fs');
var fse = require('fs-extra');
fse.mkdir('/tmp/some/long/path/that/prob/doesnt/exist', function(err){
if (err) {
console.error(err);
}
else {
console.log("success!")
}
});
fse.mkdirSync('/tmp/another/path');
fs.mkdir('/tmp/node/cant/do/this', function(err){
console.log('this wasnt successful');
});
exists() / existsSync()
These methods are actually from path
. But in Node v0.8 they are moved from path
to fs
. So you might as well start future proofing your code now.
License
Licensed under MIT
Copyright (c) 2011-2012 JP Richardson