CODEWITHSUNDEEP
encodingfilenamesfilepath
python dude
python dude

Reputation: 8358

How to encode a filepath in a filename? (no collisions, crossplatform)

How can I encode a filepath in filename so the filename is valid and there are no collisions? In other words:

Example: filepath "C:\Program Files\My Program" -> filename "NGQqKY4pBaP7lPKQPD6Y..."

This example is only for illustration; there may be better (and simpler) ways to do this.

Problem background: This filepath encoding is used for a simple single-instance-check in Java: Two instances of the program can be run simultaneously if they are located in different directories, but not when they are located in the exact same directory. I know there are other ways to ensure the single-instance property, but I find the filepath encoding to be the best in terms of cost-benefit-ratio in my particular situation.

Upvotes: 3

Views: 1732

Answers (1)

Daniel
Daniel

Reputation: 28074

Use the String of the path and encode just the specials, like:

% -> %%
\ -> %)
/ -> %(
: -> %;

No more special chars, but still useful and readable. However, since you just want to ensure uniqueness, a better (but not invertable solution) may be:

: -> ;
\ -> %
/ -> %
% -> %

I don't believe there will be a some%file and some/file in your filesystem, so this might work good enought for you.

Upvotes: 4

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