TweetFollow Us on Twitter

CopyFile XCMD
Volume Number:5
Issue Number:10
Column Tag:HyperChat™

Related Info: File Manager

XCMD Corner: CopyFile

By Donald Koscheka, Arthur Young & Co., MacTutor Contributing Editor

Note: Source code files accompanying article are located on MacTech CD-ROM or source code disks.

CopyFile XCMD

From time to time I monitor the developer forums on AppleLink and MacNet to see what the rest of the Macintosh development community is up to. Recently, Richard Greenawalt of Foremost Computer Systems issued a request for some help. It seems he needed a routine that copies Macintosh files, data fork, resource fork and finder information.

Not one to miss an opportunity to write an interesting XCMD, I 'linked Rick back and told him that I would be happy to write the routine for him.

The moral of the story is: ask and you might receive. If you need some help with an XCMD or if this column just doesn’t do it for you, let me know; I will be more than happy to help you out. Although I am up on AppleLink, I prefer to use MacNet (KOSCHEKA). If you don’t have access to a modem, write me care of MacTutor.

Copying a Macintosh file is not difficult as long as you keep in mind that Mac files are really two files in one. Each file on the Macintosh has a split personality - the data fork and the resource fork. Although the two forks act as one entity, the file manager treats them as separate files.

CopyFile is a handy little XCMD that lets you copy files from Hypercard. Actually the routine is written to work from any programming milieu which is why I’ve split it into two listings. The first consists of the Hypercard interface. Note that you need to pass both the file name and the working directory id. The second listing contains the actual code, void of any references to Hypercard. This approach lets me build libraries of usable routines that I can use with or without Hypercard, and I intend to use it for all future listings.

The CopyFile function expects to see the name of the input file, the name of the output file and the working directory id’s of both. This gives you some flexibility in naming the copy as well as deciding what folder to put it in. For example, you can concatenate the name of the input file to “copy of “ so that the duplicated file is called “copy of file”. Put this concept in a loop and you get the finder like capability of creating files and naming them “copy of ... “ , “copy of copy of ...” and so on. I chose not to implement this approach because I think the user should have the opportunity to specify the name of the copied file.

Although there are several ways to go about copying a file, I chose a path that goes something like this: First, get the collective size of the data and resource fork along with the finder information about the input file. Using this information, attempt to create a file that is as large as the input file (ie as large as the data and resource fork combined). If the space can be allocated, then copy each fork in turn. If not, delete the newly created file and quit.

Space for each fork is allocated before we do the copy so that we can determine a priori whether the file will fit. To be safe, we reposition the file mark at the beginning of the file before we start copying. If, for any reason, the file copy fails, delete what remains of the file and return the error message to the caller.

The real work is done by the function, CopyFork. This routine will attempt to read the entire fork into a single buffer. Failing that, it divides the size in half until enough memory can be allocated to read some of the fork. Note that copyfork attempts to allocate a buffer large enough to read the entire fork into memory. If that much memory is not available, it keeps dividing the original size by two until a large enough buffer can be allocated.

That’s file copying in a nutshell. It’s not particularly difficult once you realize that you’re really copying two files - the data fork and the resource fork. I’ve tried it with files up to 4 megabytes in size and it works fine.

/**********************************/
/* File: FileCopy.c*/
/* param0 = file reference num*/
/* ( file is open) IN:    */
/* params[0]= name of input */
/* params[1]= wdid of input */
/* params[2]   = name of output  */
/* params[3]   = wdid of output  */
/**********************************/
#include<MacTypes.h>
#include<OSUtil.h>
#include<MemoryMgr.h>
#include<FileMgr.h>
#include<ResourceMgr.h>
#include<pascal.h>
#include<string.h>
#include  “HyperXCMD.h”
#include“HyperUtils.h”

pascal void main( paramPtr )
 XCmdBlockPtr  paramPtr;
/*****************************
*params[0]= name of input 
*params[1]= wdid of input 
*params[2]  = name of output
*params[3]  = wdid of output
*****************************/
{ OSErr err;
 short  inWD;
 short  outWD;
 long   temp;
 Str31  errCode;
 char   inFile[256];
 char   outFile[256];
 paramPtr->returnValue = 0L;
 /*** (1) Get input parameters     ***/
 HLock( paramPtr->params[0] );
 ZeroToPas( paramPtr, *(paramPtr->params[0]), &inFile );
 HUnlock( paramPtr->params[0] );
 inWD = (short)paramtoNum( paramPtr, 1 );
 HLock( paramPtr->params[2] );
 ZeroToPas( paramPtr, *(paramPtr->params[2]), &outFile );
 HUnlock( paramPtr->params[2] );
 outWD = (short)paramtoNum( paramPtr, 3 );
 temp = (long)CopyFile( inFile, inWD, outFile, outWD );
 /*** Flush the output volume ***/
 err = FlushVol( 0L, 0 );
 NumToStr( paramPtr, temp, &errCode );
 paramPtr->returnValue = PasToZero( paramPtr, &errCode );
}

LISTING 1: CopyFile XCMD.


OSErr CopyFork( inref, outref, siz )
 short  inref;   short  outref;  longsiz;
/*****************************
* Given that the caller has opened
* a fork and passed you the names of 
* the input, copy the number of bytes
* from the input fork to the output 
* fork.
* The input mark should be set to 
* start of fork.
* We use a “semi-smart” algorithm
* to do the copy.  If the entire
* fork can be copied, we try doing 
* that, otherwise, we keep dividing
* the size by two until we get enough
* room to read some data in.
******************************/
{
 OSErr  rd_err   = noErr;
 OSErr  wrt_err  = noErr;
 long   rd_len;  /*** actual bytes read ***/
 Ptr    inbuf;
 /*** make sure that the size is even ***/
 if( siz % 2 )
 ++siz;
 if( siz > 0 ){
 do{
 inbuf = NewPtr( siz );
 if( !inbuf )
 siz = ( siz >> 1 );
 }while( !inbuf );
 /*** inbuf is the buffer that we  ***/
 /*** read the data into. If not   ***/
 /*** allocated, don’t attempt to do ***/
 /*** the read   ***/
 if( inbuf ){
 do{
 rd_len = siz;
 rd_err = FSRead( inref, &rd_len, inbuf );
 wrt_err= FSWrite( outref, &rd_len, inbuf );
 }while( !rd_err && !wrt_err );
 
 DisposPtr( inbuf );
 }
 }
 return( wrt_err );
}

OSErr CopyFile( inFile, inWD, outFile, outWD )
 char   *inFile;
 short  inWD; char *outFile;
 short  outWD;
/*****************************
* (1) Determine the size of the input 
* file. 
* (2) Attempt to allocate that 
* much space for the output file.
* (3) If allocation successful,
* create the output file.
* (4) Once the file is created,
* copy the data fork, the resource
* fork and the finder information
* from the input file.
* The file will be called “copy of...”
* Each time we create the file, first
* see if that name exists, if so, keep
* sticking “copy of” onto the name.
******************************/
{
 OSErr  err;
 OSErr  err2;
 short  inref;
 short  outref;
 long   data_eof = 0L;
 long   rsrc_eof = 0L;
 FInfo  fndrinfo;
 /*** (2) Determine how big the input file is ***/
 if( (err = FSOpen( inFile, inWD, &inref )) == noErr){
 err = GetEOF( inref, &data_eof );
 err = FSClose( inref );
 } 
 if( (err = OpenRF( inFile, inWD, &inref )) == noErr ){
 err = GetEOF( inref, &rsrc_eof );
 err = FSClose( inref );  
 }
 /*** (2) Create  output file and allocate space***/
 if( ( err = GetFInfo( inFile, inWD, &fndrinfo ) ) != noErr )
 return( err );
 if( ( err = Create( outFile, inWD, fndrinfo.fdCreator, fndrinfo.fdType 
)) != noErr )
 return( err );
 /*** (3) Try to allocate enough space for both***/
 /*** forks. Note that if we get enough space. ***/
 if( (err = FSOpen( outFile, outWD, &outref )) != noErr)
 return( err );
 if( (err = SetEOF( outref, data_eof  )) != noErr ){
 err2 = FSClose( outref );
 err2 = FSDelete( outFile, outWD );
 return( err );
 }
 err2   = FSClose( outref );
 err  = OpenRF( outFile, outWD, &outref );
 if( (err = SetEOF( outref, rsrc_eof  )) != noErr ){
 err2 = FSClose( outref );
 err2 = FSDelete( outFile, outWD );
 return( err );
 }
 err2 = FSClose( outref );
 /*** (4) Copy the Data fork***/
 err  = FSOpen( inFile, inWD, &inref );
 if( !err ){
 err2   = SetFPos( inref, fsFromStart, 0L );
 err    = CopyFork( inref, outref, data_eof );
 err2   = FSClose( inref );
 err2   = FSClose( outref );
 }
 if( err ){
 err2 = FSDelete( outFile, outWD );
 return( err );
 }
 /*** (5) Now copy the resource fork ***/
 err  = OpenRF( inFile, inWD, &inref );
 if( !err ){
 err2   = SetFPos( inref, fsFromStart, 0L );
 err  = OpenRF( outFile, outWD, &outref );
 err    = CopyFork( inref, outref, rsrc_eof );
 err2   = FSClose( inref );
 err2   = FSClose( outref );
 }
 if( err ){
 err2 = FSDelete( outFile, outWD );
 return( err );
 }
 return( noErr );
}

LISTING 2: CopyFile and CopyFork Functions.

 
AAPL
$501.11
Apple Inc.
+2.43
MSFT
$34.64
Microsoft Corpora
+0.15
GOOG
$898.03
Google Inc.
+16.02

MacTech Search:
Community Search:

Software Updates via MacUpdate

Paperless 2.3.1 - Digital documents mana...
Paperless is a digital documents manager. Remember when everyone talked about how we would soon be a paperless society? Now it seems like we use paper more than ever. Let's face it - we need and we... Read more
Apple HP Printer Drivers 2.16.1 - For OS...
Apple HP Printer Drivers includes the latest HP printing and scanning software for Mac OS X 10.6, 10.7 and 10.8. For information about supported printer models, see this page.Version 2.16.1: This... Read more
Yep 3.5.1 - Organize and manage all your...
Yep is a document organization and management tool. Like iTunes for music or iPhoto for photos, Yep lets you search and view your documents in a comfortable interface, while offering the ability to... Read more
Apple Canon Laser Printer Drivers 2.11 -...
Apple Canon Laser Printer Drivers is the latest Canon Laser printing and scanning software for Mac OS X 10.6, 10.7 and 10.8. For information about supported printer models, see this page.Version 2.11... Read more
Apple Java for Mac OS X 10.6 Update 17 -...
Apple Java for Mac OS X 10.6 delivers improved security, reliability, and compatibility by updating Java SE 6.Version Update 17: Java for Mac OS X 10.6 Update 17 delivers improved security,... Read more
Arq 3.3 - Online backup (requires Amazon...
Arq is online backup for the Mac using Amazon S3 and Amazon Glacier. It backs-up and faithfully restores all the special metadata of Mac files that other products don't, including resource forks,... Read more
Apple Java 2013-005 - For OS X 10.7 and...
Apple Java for OS X 2013-005 delivers improved security, reliability, and compatibility by updating Java SE 6 to 1.6.0_65. On systems that have not already installed Java for OS X 2012-006, this... Read more
DEVONthink Pro 2.7 - Knowledge base, inf...
Save 10% with our exclusive coupon code: MACUPDATE10 DEVONthink Pro is your essential assistant for today's world, where almost everything is digital. From shopping receipts to important research... Read more
VirtualBox 4.3.0 - x86 virtualization so...
VirtualBox is a family of powerful x86 virtualization products for enterprise as well as home use. Not only is VirtualBox an extremely feature rich, high performance product for enterprise customers... Read more
Merlin 2.9.2 - Project management softwa...
Merlin is the only native network-based collaborative Project Management solution for Mac OS X. This version offers many features propelling Merlin to the top of Mac OS X professional project... Read more

Halloween – iLovecraft Brings Frightenin...
Halloween – iLovecraft Brings Frightening Stories From Author H.P. | Read more »
The Blockheads Creator David Frampton Gi...
The Blockheads Creator David Frampton Gives a Postmortem on the Creation Process of the Game Posted by Andrew Stevens on October 16th, 2013 [ permalink ] Hey, a | Read more »
Sorcery! Enhances the Gameplay in Latest...
Sorcery! | Read more »
It Came From Australia: Tiny Death Star
NimbleBit and Disney have teamed up to make Star Wars: Tiny Death Star, a Star Wars take on Tiny Tower. Right now, the game is in testing in Australia (you will never find a more wretched hive of scum and villainy) but we were able to sneak past... | Read more »
FIST OF AWESOME Review
FIST OF AWESOME Review By Rob Rich on October 16th, 2013 Our Rating: :: TALK TO THE FISTUniversal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad A totalitarian society of bears is only the tip of the iceberg in this throwback brawler.   | Read more »
PROVERBidioms Paints English Sayings in...
PROVERBidioms Paints English Sayings in a Picture for Users to Find Posted by Andrew Stevens on October 16th, 2013 [ permalink ] | Read more »
OmniFocus 2 for iPhone Review
OmniFocus 2 for iPhone Review By Carter Dotson on October 16th, 2013 Our Rating: :: OMNIPOTENTiPhone App - Designed for the iPhone, compatible with the iPad OmniFocus 2 for iPhone is a task management app for people who absolutely... | Read more »
Ingress – Google’s Augmented-Reality Gam...
Ingress – Google’s Augmented-Reality Game to Make its Way to iOS Next Year Posted by Andrew Stevens on October 16th, 2013 [ permalink ] | Read more »
CSR Classics is Full of Ridiculously Pre...
CSR Classics is Full of Ridiculously Pretty Classic Automobiles Posted by Rob Rich on October 16th, 2013 [ permalink ] | Read more »
Costume Quest Review
Costume Quest Review By Blake Grundman on October 16th, 2013 Our Rating: :: SLIGHTLY SOURUniversal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad This bite sized snack lacks the staying power to appeal beyond the haunting season.   | Read more »

Price Scanner via MacPrices.net

Apple Store Canada offers refurbished 11-inch...
 The Apple Store Canada has Apple Certified Refurbished 2013 11″ MacBook Airs available starting at CDN$ 849. Save up to $180 off the cost of new models. An Apple one-year warranty is included with... Read more
Updated MacBook Price Trackers
We’ve updated our MacBook Price Trackers with the latest information on prices, bundles, and availability on MacBook Airs, MacBook Pros, and the MacBook Pros with Retina Displays from Apple’s... Read more
13-inch Retina MacBook Pros on sale for up to...
B&H Photo has the 13″ 2.5GHz Retina MacBook Pro on sale for $1399 including free shipping. Their price is $100 off MSRP. They have the 13″ 2.6GHz Retina MacBook Pro on sale for $1580 which is $... Read more
AppleCare Protection Plans on sale for up to...
B&H Photo has 3-Year AppleCare Warranties on sale for up to $105 off MSRP including free shipping plus NY sales tax only: - Mac Laptops 15″ and Above: $244 $105 off MSRP - Mac Laptops 13″ and... Read more
Apple’s 64-bit A7 Processor: One Step Closer...
PC Pro’s Darien Graham-Smith reported that Canonical founder and Ubuntu Linux creator Mark Shuttleworth believes Apple intends to follow Ubuntu’s lead and merge its desktop and mobile operating... Read more
MacBook Pro First, Followed By iPad At The En...
French site Info MacG’s Florian Innocente says he has received availability dates and order of arrival for the next MacBook Pro and the iPad from the same contact who had warned hom of the arrival of... Read more
Chart: iPad Value Decline From NextWorth
With every announcement of a new Apple device, serial upgraders begin selling off their previous models – driving down the resale value. So, with the Oct. 22 Apple announcement date approaching,... Read more
SOASTA Survey: What App Do You Check First in...
SOASTA Inc., the leader in cloud and mobile testing announced the results of its recent survey showing which mobile apps are popular with smartphone owners in major American markets. SOASTA’s survey... Read more
Apple, Samsung Reportedly Both Developing 12-...
Digitimes’ Aaron Lee and Joseph Tsai report that Apple and Samsung Electronics are said to both be planning to release 12-inch tablets, and that Apple is currently cooperating with Quanta Computer on... Read more
Apple’s 2011 MacBook Pro Lineup Suffering Fro...
Appleinsider’s Shane Cole says that owners of early-2011 15-inch and 17-inch MacBook Pros are reporting issues with those models’ discrete AMD graphics processors, which in some cases results in the... Read more

Jobs Board

Senior Mac / *Apple* Systems Engineer - 318...
318 Inc, a top provider of Apple solutions is seeking a new Senior Apple Systems Engineer to be based out of our Santa Monica, California location. We are a Read more
*Apple* Retail - Manager - Apple Inc. (Unite...
Job Summary Keeping an Apple Store thriving requires a diverse set of leadership skills, and as a Manager, you’re a master of them all. In the store’s fast-paced, Read more
*Apple* Solutions Consultant - Apple (United...
**Job Summary** Apple Solutions Consultant (ASC) - Retail Representatives Apple Solutions Consultants are trained by Apple on selling Apple -branded products Read more
Associate *Apple* Solutions Consultant - Ap...
**Job Summary** The Associate ASC is an Apple employee who serves as an Apple brand ambassador and influencer in a Reseller's store. The Associate ASC's role is to Read more
*Apple* Solutions Consultant (ASC) - Apple (...
**Job Summary** The ASC is an Apple employee who serves as an Apple brand ambassador and influencer in a Reseller's store. The ASC's role is to grow Apple Read more
All contents are Copyright 1984-2011 by Xplain Corporation. All rights reserved. Theme designed by Icreon.