Can I access the filesystem with Google NaCl?

Question

Since Google NaCl is C++, will I be able to access the file system somehow? That's pretty much needed if I am to create a game or a desktop app.

Answer 1

Due to security restrictions, NaCl doesn't allow you to just open up any folder on the disk.

It does, however, grant the ability to access a sandboxed, obfuscated filesystem.

You can check out the PONG example in the latest SDK for examples of how to use the FileSystemAPI.

In addition, this page is a good starting point to understanding how the file system works: https://developers.google.com/native-client/beta-docs/fileIO

~Main

Answer 2

Yes, but this access is supposedly secure and only able to access a sandboxed file system. Apparently you'll be able to do mmap calls, even. What could go wrong? :-)

Beyond any data files that come with the download, additional disk quota is an "app privilege" you have to "approve" when you install something. It can range from 0 to unlimited.