Rackspace Cloud Files Fieldtype for EE2.0

OK, thanks for the support messages guys. The good news is that this fieldtype is almost ready to rock & roll. I am now happy to declare it version 1.0 Beta !

I mentioned above that I’ve built it in a really extensible way, which has perhaps made things take a little longer than just cranking out a single FTP or Rackspace Cloud File fieldtype, but the result is that I can add extra remote location methods very easily (and I already have plans to).

This fieldtype is bordering on a module now, and in fact it now installs with an accompanying module that is used for all the AJAX interactivity. The current user session is used to secure the requests, and no settings or sensitive data is sent via the request, so its nice and secure.

At the core there is now a central data caching layer that all data passes through. The data is stored in the EE database, and really speeds up browsing through the file structures. Of course the greatest benefit of the caching is the financial saving for reading data from S3 or Rackspace Cloud files, since they charge for simply listing data.

The front end shown in the publish field has been polished up, with a refresh button (which also dumps the cache) and a parent directory button moved above the file browser. Further improvements have been made, such as it can be used many times on a single publish page with no problem (even with multiple remote locations per field). This was only really made possible once I got the caching in place.

There are also some useful additions such as being able to specify individual field settings for each remote method. This means you could have different fields for different channels all reading from different FTP, S3, Cloud File locations.

As for testing, Mark I’ll take you up your offer for testing. I’ll send you a message in the morning with the required files so you can start to test this (pretty late right now and need to package things up).

At the moment the FTP & Rackspace Cloud Files methods are fully working but I have plans to fully integrate Amazon S3 & Local server files. I am also open to any suggestions of any further remote file systems that have accessible API’s that you would like to see included.

And before anyone asks, everything is read only at the moment but I do plan to include uploading at some point. This is a big bag of hurt considering the various remote methods in involved, so keeping it (relatively) simple for the moment.

Some updated screenshots are attached to give you an idea of the updated front end

As for testing, Mark I’ll take you up your offer for testing. I’ll send you a message in the morning with the required files so you can start to test this (pretty late right now and need to package things up).

That’s fantastic thanks. Will look forward to it.

And before anyone asks, everything is read only at the moment but I do plan to include uploading at some point. This is a big bag of hurt considering the various remote methods in involved, so keeping it (relatively) simple for the moment.

Ah you beat me to it on that one 😉 I’m sure this is going to be fantastic to test anyway but as soon as you get the uploading on it I’m positive you will have a great product to sell there. You could perhaps sell it with one type of upload and then if people want more they can purchase them separately?

I reckon it could do you really well this one.

Anyway look forward to testing this one out. I’m afraid I’ll only be able to test out the FTP side of things as I don’t have anything on Rack Space so hope that’s okay.

Best wishes,

Mark

Great, thanks Mark. Its on its way to you in a few minutes.

I do need someone to give the Rackspace Cloud Files a little testing. Any takers?

Hi Christopher,

Thanks for the files. Sorry probably my stupidity but how exactly do I install this?

I tried placing the folder cki_remote into the system->expressionengine->third_party folder and then installed it via the modules section which did indeed install it but when I have created a field and then go to publish an entry I don’t see any buttons or file type images or anything, just a long list of folders and files of which it is very difficult to tell what they all are.

Thanks.

Best wishes,

Mark

Sorry, Mark. I should have explained it!

You’ve put it in the correct place, but it sounds like the CSS isnt being loaded. I am pretty sure this is because your not using “system” as the ee folder. Its just a bad assumption on my part. I’ve updated it to attach the CSS using the CP url stored in EE’s config.

Version 1.2b should be in your inbox any minute.

You’ve put it in the correct place, but it sounds like the CSS isnt being loaded. I am pretty sure this is because your not using “system” as the ee folder. Its just a bad assumption on my part. I’ve updated it to attach the CSS using the CP url stored in EE’s config.

Actually I am using system as the ExpressionEngine folder on this install as it’s just a localhost install. I never do with online sites and usually don’t with localhost installs either but I have been doing this with 2.0 as I’ve noticed a couple of things not working when I change the system folder name. That said…

Version 1.2b should be in your inbox any minute.

This new version now shows all the images and what not fine so all looks to be working great.

Slight shame obviously about the fact that if you go back in and edit an entry it doesn’t revert back to the folder and file that you selected but I’m sure you’ll get that sorted soon. At least it doesn’t overwrite the previous selection unless you choose another file and save.

Great work on this one, well done.

Best wishes,

Mark

Yes, I’ll be getting it to show the correct folder location with the file highlighted in the next version I get to you.

Then after that its on to the uploads. All uploads will need to go via the server EE is installed on, which may sound weird but this is so that it can then be FTP’d or transferred to S3 or Cloud Files from there. This also means I’ll be able to incorporate an upload progress indicator which will be great for big files.

Yes, I’ll be getting it to show the correct folder location with the file highlighted in the next version I get to you.

That will be fantastic. Can’t wait to check it out.

Then after that its on to the uploads. All uploads will need to go via the server EE is installed on, which may sound weird but this is so that it can then be FTP’d or transferred to S3 or Cloud Files from there. This also means I’ll be able to incorporate an upload progress indicator which will be great for big files.

All sounds excellent. I never quite understood why files need to go via the site that you’re currently on but I know that everyone who has ever done this sort of thing so far has had to do that.

Anyway can’t wait to see the new version when you’re ready.

Best wishes,

Mark

Any more word on backporting this to 1.6.8? I’m still using 1.6.8 for a LOT of client sites, and will be for the foreseeable future, and i would LOVELOVELOVE to use this!

I’m happy to help beta test and submit bugs and stuff. I love breaking software and submitting bug reports! (Sick, i know.)

Wow… this sounds awesome! Cannot WAIT to see it. Will it have SAEF support, so I don’t have to allow certain members access to the main Control Panel? Fingers (and toes) crossed. 😉

Keep up the good work, Christopher.

Another vote here for Rackspace Cloud support in case you’re still undecided.

Sorry, Mark. I should have explained it! You’ve put it in the correct place, but it sounds like the CSS isnt being loaded. I am pretty sure this is because your not using “system” as the ee folder. Its just a bad assumption on my part. I’ve updated it to attach the CSS using the CP url stored in EE’s config. Version 1.2b should be in your inbox any minute.

Christopher, I’d like to test this out as well! I’m using Rackspace Cloud Files to host videos and then hooking it up to SlideShow Pro. So far I was building it with a text field where I could copy and paste the url.. but this add-on will work wonders. Could you send me the files? :D

Bummer.. 6 days and no answer. I guess you’ve got all of the testers you need. Would have loved to test it! Hopefully you’ll release it soon!

would this be a free fieldtype?