`fs-extra` adds file system methods that aren't included in the native `fs` module and adds promise support to the `fs` methods. It should be a drop in replacement for `fs`.
I got tired of including `mkdirp`, `rimraf`, and `ncp` in most of my projects.
Installation
------------
npm install --save fs-extra
Usage
-----
`fs-extra` is a drop in replacement for native `fs`. All methods in `fs` are attached to `fs-extra`. All `fs` methods return promises if the callback isn't passed.
You don't ever need to include the original `fs` module again:
```js
const fs = require('fs') // this is no longer necessary
```
you can now do this:
```js
const fs = require('fs-extra')
```
or if you prefer to make it clear that you're using `fs-extra` and not `fs`, you may want
to name your `fs` variable `fse` like so:
```js
const fse = require('fs-extra')
```
you can also keep both, but it's redundant:
```js
const fs = require('fs')
const fse = require('fs-extra')
```
Sync vs Async
-------------
Most methods are async by default. All async methods will return a promise if the callback isn't passed.
Sync methods on the other hand will throw if an error occurs.
**NOTE:** You can still use the native Node.js methods. They are promisified and copied over to `fs-extra`. See [notes on `fs.read()` & `fs.write()`](docs/fs-read-write.md)
They were removed from `fs-extra` in v2.0.0. If you need the functionality, `walk` and `walkSync` are available as separate packages, [`klaw`](https://github.com/jprichardson/node-klaw) and [`klaw-sync`](https://github.com/manidlou/node-klaw-sync).
If you want to watch for changes to files or directories, then you should use [chokidar](https://github.com/paulmillr/chokidar).
### Misc.
- [mfs](https://github.com/cadorn/mfs) - Monitor your fs-extra calls.
Hacking on fs-extra
-------------------
Wanna hack on `fs-extra`? Great! Your help is needed! [fs-extra is one of the most depended upon Node.js packages](http://nodei.co/npm/fs-extra.png?downloads=true&downloadRank=true&stars=true). This project
uses [JavaScript Standard Style](https://github.com/feross/standard) - if the name or style choices bother you,
you're gonna have to get over it :) If `standard` is good enough for `npm`, it's good enough for `fs-extra`.
- First, take a look at existing issues. Those are probably going to be where the priority lies.
- More tests for edge cases. Specifically on different platforms. There can never be enough tests.
- Improve test coverage. See coveralls output for more info.
Note: If you make any big changes, **you should definitely file an issue for discussion first.**
### Running the Test Suite
fs-extra contains hundreds of tests.
-`npm run lint`: runs the linter ([standard](http://standardjs.com/))
-`npm run unit`: runs the unit tests
-`npm test`: runs both the linter and the tests
### Windows
If you run the tests on the Windows and receive a lot of symbolic link `EPERM` permission errors, it's
because on Windows you need elevated privilege to create symbolic links. You can add this to your Windows's
account by following the instructions here: http://superuser.com/questions/104845/permission-to-make-symbolic-links-in-windows-7
However, I didn't have much luck doing this.
Since I develop on Mac OS X, I use VMWare Fusion for Windows testing. I create a shared folder that I map to a drive on Windows.
I open the `Node.js command prompt` and run as `Administrator`. I then map the network drive running the following command:
net use z: "\\vmware-host\Shared Folders"
I can then navigate to my `fs-extra` directory and run the tests.
Naming
------
I put a lot of thought into the naming of these functions. Inspired by @coolaj86's request. So he deserves much of the credit for raising the issue. See discussion(s) here:
First, I believe that in as many cases as possible, the [Node.js naming schemes](http://nodejs.org/api/fs.html) should be chosen. However, there are problems with the Node.js own naming schemes.
For example, `fs.readFile()` and `fs.readdir()`: the **F** is capitalized in *File* and the **d** is not capitalized in *dir*. Perhaps a bit pedantic, but they should still be consistent. Also, Node.js has chosen a lot of POSIX naming schemes, which I believe is great. See: `fs.mkdir()`, `fs.rmdir()`, `fs.chown()`, etc.
We have a dilemma though. How do you consistently name methods that perform the following POSIX commands: `cp`, `cp -r`, `mkdir -p`, and `rm -rf`?
My perspective: when in doubt, err on the side of simplicity. A directory is just a hierarchical grouping of directories and files. Consider that for a moment. So when you want to copy it or remove it, in most cases you'll want to copy or remove all of its contents. When you want to create a directory, if the directory that it's suppose to be contained in does not exist, then in most cases you'll want to create that too.
So, if you want to remove a file or a directory regardless of whether it has contents, just call `fs.remove(path)`. If you want to copy a file or a directory whether it has contents, just call `fs.copy(source, destination)`. If you want to create a directory regardless of whether its parent directories exist, just call `fs.mkdirs(path)` or `fs.mkdirp(path)`.
Credit
------
`fs-extra` wouldn't be possible without using the modules from the following authors:
