An alternative to input type="file" to read a file in javascript

Question

I am wondering if there is any method of reading file on the client side with javascript given the file name and path. I am aware of the method of reading through: input type="file".

What I mean is without opening up a file browser and selecting the file, just reading it with filename, like fopen.
If not an other method, how to instantiate a File object in javascript from filename and path?

Seeing the answers I thought of briefing a bit more on my purpose. I am not really making a webpage. I am using browser just as a software that is available on any system. The html pages will all be local. I am doing this way be so that I have the advantage of the power of js. Given this situation is there any way to set permission flags that will let it read files? Thank you.

Answer 1

There's the Drag 'n Drop API which would be the other option in reading files using JS

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There will always be hurdles so that your code will not directly read from the client's filesystem. This is designed for privacy and security purposes.

• Extensions/Plugins - sandboxing will be your enemy, limiting file system access

• Java Applet - Needs a signed certificate to read the filesystem. A self-signed certificate will generate the "Will You Trust This Applet" prompt which would act as the security prompt.

• Input type=file - gives the user the option to select the files or not

• drag and drop - gives the user the option to drag in files or not

• XHR - Same Origin Policy will block you, especially if you are executing the page locally and not on a server.

• JSONP - Since this bypasses the SOP, however, your file should be in JSONP format.