Rami Vemula

In the first part of this tutorial (PART I – Click Here), we uploaded files to the database in binary format using a FileUpload control. The plot behind saving files is to take the file from the FileUpload control, convert the same to the binary format, then save it to the DB. To make our accomplishment more flexible and maintainable, we use stored procedures along with custom classes for database transactions.

In this part of the tutorial, we retrieve the files (which are stored in a table of a database). For this purpose we first create a custom class which will hold the code for database transactions, then we create a generic handler which will process all the incoming requests for the downloading of files. Finally we create a web page which uses the before mentioned class and handler along with a repeater control to make the file available to the client.

In this tutorial, we first save files to the database in binary format, then in the second part of the tutorial we see how to provide a download option to the files residing in database. For uploading the files to DB, we use a FileUpload control and to provide download facility we make use of a Generic handler. The plot behind saving files is to take the file from the FileUpload control, convert the same to the binary format, then save it to the DB. To make our accomplishment more flexible and maintainable, we use stored procedures along with custom classes for database transactions. And the plot behind retrieving files is to use a handler which process the incoming request which are made to the files in database.

In this article, we see how to provide a download option (say for example to download images) to the users of our website. In accomplishing the requirement we use a Generic HttpHandler – which handles all the requests made for the download. For demonstration purpose we take some images and display them using a Datalist, in which we do provide an option to download. On download option click, the generic handler will process the request and displays an dialog in the client questioning client either to save or open the file, accordingly corresponding action will be taken place.