Thread: Develop File Scanner in Java

Hello all,

I am looking to do a project over the next month to develop a file scanner in Java but am new to programming and am unsure if Java is the right medium to use. I want the scanner to look through files on a device for .jpg and .jpeg files extensions and also scan the files for the ÿØÿà file header in case the file has been changed on purpose. I want the scanner to link to a database that can be queried MySQL or PostgreSQL via PHP or JSP and the information of each individual .jpg file to be stored as under a reference number for the PC. I would then like to develop the Java application to offer the option to extract the file itself.

The overall goal of designing the application is to develop a web based tool that can a user can enter a Dropbox/Google Drive/Sky Drive etc account information and the Java tool will scan the folders and files for the .jpg files and send the information to the database so that it can be queried using another web based application that i will develop later.

Before I start down this route (I am prepared to put a lot of hours in learning the right tool) I have these questions:-

Should I be looking to do this with Java or Java Script?
Should I use PHP or JSP to link to the database?
Should I use MySQL or PostgreSQL?
Is this even a viable project due to way Dropbox/Google/Microsoft protect their Cloud storage?
Am I mental to try and develop this as a newbie to programming in the time frame I have?

Many thanks and nervously look forward to the answers!

Richard

Hi Richard,

I cannot speak on regards to the communication with Cloud storages, as I don't have any real experience with using them. However the rest I can provide information and guidance on.

Java is a perfectly good language to do this kind of tool in, and in fact I think you will find it enjoyable. It should be noted that Java and JavaScript are NOT related, and JavaScript wouldn't be a viable solution to this problem.

In regards to linking to the database, I might be confused what you are asking, but you can populate the database with information directly from Java. If you then wish to connect to it later down the line for you Web Based tool to allow you to search and browse that Database then you can use any language you like! PHP and JSPs (Java) are a good route to go, you might also appreciate Groovy & Grails as a nice solution for working with a Database.

You can use either MySQL or PostgreSQL it really doesn't matter both have advantages and disadvantages. Personally I would go for MySQL as I know it is easy to work with and is available on many free hosting sites, unlike PostgreSQL.

You should be fine with this, other than the interaction with Google/Dropbox etc, which I repeat I have no knowledge about, this stuff seems fairly trivial and as long as you spend some time learning you will be fine. Java is a great language and holds you hand along the way, just get yourself a nice IDE and you will be well on your way!

Finally,

Welcome to Java Programming Forums and Best of luck with learning!

Originally Posted by cantonbean

Should I be looking to do this with Java or Java Script?

Java +1

Originally Posted by cantonbean

Should I use MySQL or PostgreSQL?

MySQL +1

Originally Posted by cantonbean

Is this even a viable project due to way Dropbox/Google/Microsoft protect their Cloud storage?

Just another tree in the forest.

Originally Posted by cantonbean

Am I mental to try and develop this as a newbie to programming in the time frame I have?

Of course not, you have plenty of time, what could possibly go wrong. All programming projects are finished on time.

Thanks so much for the replies...it is really refreshing to find people that are being so helpful and positive....I have some knowledge of MySQL already so i will go with that and with Java....time to learn...the project is for a Msc in I.T. so it has to be 3 tier (requirement of the module)...so I will look at all JSP, Groovy & Grails and already know a little about PHP.

"All programming projects are finished on time"....love it! the people you do work for must build you a shrine!

Many thanks again and can't tell you how grateful I am to both of you! Time to Study!

Richard

Best of luck

And "All programming projects are finished on time" from jps was almost certainly sarcasm. Be prepared for it to take longer than you expect. Don't let it get the better of you.


Chris

Thanks again Chris...yeah I guessed as much...I did an I.T. project management module last term so I learnt a fair bit about planning methods and failure statistics...hopefully I'll be one of the 30-40% (depending where you are and read about!) that DO complete on time....if not maybe I'll quote the failure rates at them!

Thanks again!