Re: Virtual folder
Re: Virtual folder
- Subject: Re: Virtual folder
- From: Sherm Pendley <email@hidden>
- Date: Mon, 22 May 2006 12:52:20 -0400
On May 22, 2006, at 8:45 AM, Annard Brouwer wrote:
This is about the only thing I like (from a developer point of
view) about the Windows File Explorer. And unfortunately this is
currently impossible on the Mac. The only way you could do this is
to create a vfs kernel extension. A criminally insane way to
implement such functionality. :-)
Apple's VFS method has hooks into the filesystem, so it not only
works from Finder, it also works with NSFileManager, fopen(), etc.
You can install a VFS kext remotely, using ssh to access a rack-
mounted Xserve a hundred miles from your location. You can boot up in
single-user mode with no GUI at all, and still access your VFS
filesystem with command-line tools. You can replace Finder with
another file manager shell and your VFS still works.
There's no way Apple could have done all of the above with just a
Finder extension.
For the OP - yes, mounting a remote server as a folder is quite
doable. But, the docs indicate that the VFS API is currently "in the
process of changing in order to make the VFS interface sustainable."
So I'd suggest working through some tutorials and such, maybe writing
a couple of little throwaway apps just to build your skills, and then
checking back - maybe the VFS API will have stabilized by then. Also,
a kernel extension is not a newbie-level project, *especially* a VFS
extension where there's a high risk of data loss. You'll want to get
some experience with Mac programming before starting an advanced
project like that.
If the API hasn't stabilized by the time you're ready for it, I'd do
as the docs suggest and contact Apple Developer Support; they may
have pre-release docs they can let you work with or something.
<http://developer.apple.com/documentation/Darwin/Conceptual/
KernelProgramming/Filesystem/chapter_12_section_3.html>
sherm--
Cocoa programming in Perl: http://camelbones.sourceforge.net
Hire me! My resume: http://www.dot-app.org
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