Review of the new Webix JavaScript File manager

Recently, Webix has announced a new version of the File Manager widget included in the Webix Pro package. In this article, we want to give a more detailed overview of the features and possibilities that have appeared in the new version.

File manager is a complex widget, a full-fledged SPA application that can be integrated into any software solution.

What have the developers offered in the new version of their File Explorer?

Split panel view

This is probably one of the most useful innovations. Now users can work with files in the familiar Total Commander style. This is a rational approach. It is great that the developers created this view.

In the dual panel mode, the left panel with the navigation tree is not available to the user. However, you can use the preview panel (we’ll talk about it later). Standard navigation works with the help of keyboard, multi-select, drag-n-drop, contextual menu. Obviously, this function will be in high demand among developers and end-users.

Preview panel

Another useful innovation. This panel is designed to preview the contents and display file attributes. It supports previewing most graphic formats (JPG, PNG, GIF, SVG…), text and office documents (PDF, Word, Excel, TXT…).

This panel also allows you to listen to audio files and to play video files. This functionality makes the new File Manager a convenient tool for working with media data galleries, managing content on network storages, and administering file resources in CMS or ERP systems.

Cards View

This mode has also undergone some changes. The first thing that catches your eye is “thumbnails” for different types of files. Working with media files is becoming easier and more visual. In the package, you will find a server that is responsible for generating preview images for different types of files.

Preview panel

Another useful innovation. This panel is designed to preview the contents and display file attributes. It supports previewing most graphic formats (JPG, PNG, GIF, SVG…), text and office documents (PDF, Word, Excel, TXT…).

Editing files

The new Webix File Manager contains a built-in editor for text files. This is a nice addition for those developers who are looking for a ready-made solution for remote administration.

Migrating from the old version

Here Webix users will get an unpleasant surprise. The new version of this app is very different from the previous V. 7. 1, so there will be no “seamless” migration. The good news is that version 7.1 is still supported, so those who decide not to upgrade will still have access to technical support services, documentation, and fixes.

Other features and options

File Manager widget is based on the Webiх library, so it inherited all of the options available:

• Sorting
• Drag-n-drop support
• Clipboard support
• Multiselect
• Keyboard support
• Downloading files
• Download manager

What’s under the hood?

New functions and design are important, but internal changes and new customization and integration features also play an important role when choosing JS File Explorer. Here’s what the developers told us:

1. Webix File Manager version 7.2 is a completely new product written from scratch. It has completely redesigned architecture, which is now based on classes that can be inherited and combined. This is done for the facilitation of:

• customization;
• support;
• scaling;
• reading the source code.

2. The advantages of the ES6 standard classes are fully used. They are necessary for creating view and data modules.

3. The logic of interaction with the back-end was completely redesigned, which provided better fault tolerance.

4. The application was created using the Webix Jet microframework, which simplifies the development and customization even further.

Compatibility

Webix products are not the first year on the market, and they have good opportunities for integration with various platforms. In particular, File Manager contains examples of integrating the front-end part with jQuery, AngularJS, Vue.js and React. The back-end is presented as ready-made servers for NodJS and Go (Goland). According to the developers, back-end servers for PHP and .Net will be available in the next few days. You can get them already by contacting the support service.

Licensing

The Webix package itself is presented as a free Opensource library and a commercial package containing more widgets and features. You can read more in this article.

File Manager is only available to commercial license holders (perpetual proprietary license) or to startup support program participants. The latter implies registration and access to the extended trawl package for 6 months, with the possibility to extend participation in the program for up to two years. Members of the startup support program have access to updates and technical support.