creating a folder/uploading a file in amazon S3 bucket using API

Question

I am a total newbie to amazon and java. I am trying two things here.

1st - I am trying to create a folder in my Amazon S3 bucket that i have already created and have got the credentials for.

2nd - I am trying to upload a file to this bucket.

As per my understanding i can use putObjectRequest() method for acheiving both of my tasks.

PutObjectRequest(bucketName, keyName, file) 

for uploading a file.

I am not sure if i should use this method

PutObjectRequest(String bucketName, String key, InputStream input,
        ObjectMetadata metadata) 

for just creating a folder. I am struggeling with InputSteam and ObjectMetadata. I don't know what exactly is this for and how can i use it.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. :)

Answer 1

You do not need to create a folder in Amazon S3. In fact, folders do not exist!

Rather, the Key (filename) contains the full path and the object name.

For example, if a file called cat.jpg is in the animals folder, then the Key (filename) is: animals/cat.jpg

Simply Put an object with that Key and the folder is automatically created. (Actually, this isn't true because there are no folders, but it's a nice simple way to imagine the concept.)

As to which function to use... always use the simplest one that meets your needs. Therefore, just use PutObjectRequest(bucketName, keyName, file).