How can I change the folder structure returned in the zip file from FME Servers Data Download Service?

Changes were made in FME Server 2017 that caused folders with the names of the writers used in the workspace to be created in the zip file returned by the data download service. However in 2018.1 we introduced another change to give back more control to help fix any unwanted behaviour.

In FME 2018.1 onwards, you can remove these unwanted folders by setting the structure of the output zip file when publishing the workspace to FME Server.

From the Register Services page, click Edit beside the Data Download service, then click the '...' button next to Include Writers in Download, then click on 'More...'. This will open a dialog that will let you set up the paths for each of the files within the zip file.

Changes were made in FME Server 2017 that caused folders with the names of the writers used in the workspace to be created in the zip file returned by the data download service. However in 2018.1 we introduced another change to give back more control to help fix any unwanted behaviour.

In FME 2018.1 onwards, you can remove these unwanted folders by setting the structure of the output zip file when publishing the workspace to FME Server.

From the Register Services page, click Edit beside the Data Download service, then click the '...' button next to Include Writers in Download, then click on 'More...'. This will open a dialog that will let you set up the paths for each of the files within the zip file.

@hollyatsafe why is this fix not enabled for the data streaming option which is also returning nonsense folders?

The streaming can only return a single file I assume. So if you only select your shape or your mdb - what happens? @hannesfpaulin

@hollyatsafe why is this fix not enabled for the data streaming option which is also returning nonsense folders?

Hi @hannesfpaulin,

The data streaming service was designed to be used to deliver content to be displayed in the web browser immediately and therefore having the option to configure the file path was not taken into consideration. If you select more than one writer for the data streaming service then a zipped file will be downloaded instead. Since the Data Download service specialises in delivering zip files this is why the enhancement was made there.

Is there a reason you need to use the Data Streaming service instead of the Data Download? Is it that the Download provides a link whilst the Streaming directly presents the download? If you could describe your use case this would assist me when requesting this enhancement.

Hello @hollyatsafe

The data streaming is used in several ways. One is citrix clients that are using data streaming to return files. We also have web clients and the preferable way of returning files is also wihtout a separate window.

In all export functionalities the streaming option is used to return files independent of any web browser that may, or may not, be involved in the tool.

Hi @hannesfpaulin,

I have filed an enhancement request to add the option to set the file in zip path for the Data Streaming Service (FMESERVER-14012) and will update this post when the issue is resolved.