Efficient way to implement a client multiple file upload service

Question

1. What is an efficient way to implement a multiple file client upload service? Are there any popular libraries for that? Basically I'm looking at a Web view, served a client, that would allow them to upload files: i.e browse their file system and choose say up to 6 files.

2. Is implementing the above service better than a single file upload-service. i.e allowing only one upload at a time? If so what is an efficient way to implement that or again what popular libraries are there to use.

I'm building a Java Dynamic Web to be deployed on Tomcat.

Thanks

Answer 1

If you're looking to do multiple file uploads on the web, I would strongly recommend SWFUpload. It's totally customizable, and it can use whatever back end technology you'd like. Take a look at some of the demos on the site for some use cases involving multiple files at once. I've only used it in one project so far, but it beats some of the other third party upload controls I've used hands down.

Answer 2

If your clients can use modern builds of browsers, you can use multiple file upload field support that mozilla/webkit offers. Otherwise, YUIUpload from latest YUI3. Much cleaner/faster/easier than SWFUpload.