cffile action = "readBinary"

Description

Reads a binary file (such as an executable or image file) on the serve, 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.

Syntax

<cffile 
  action = "readBinary" 
  file = "full_path_name"
  variable = "var_name">

Attributes

Attribute Req/Opt Default Description

action
Required

Type of file manipulation that the tag performs.

file
Required

Absolute pathname of file.
On Windows, use backward slashes; on UNIX, use forward slashes.

variable
Required

Name of variable to contain contents of binary file.

Attribute	Req/Opt	Description
action	Required	Type of file manipulation that the tag performs.
file	Required	Absolute pathname of file. On Windows, use backward slashes; on UNIX, use forward slashes.
variable	Required	Name of variable to contain contents of binary file.

Usage

You convert the binary file to Base64 to transfer it to another site.

Example

The following example creates a variable named aBinaryObj to contain the ColdFusion Server executable:

<cffile action = "readBinary" 
file = "c:\cfusion\bin\cfserver.exe" 
variable = "aBinaryObj">