Files-are-Not-Just-Data-A-Guide-to-Robust-File-Handling

The author recounts a server crash caused by a large file upload, highlighting the dangers of poor file handling in web development. Two common file handling models exist: the convenient "all-in-one" approach, exemplified by Express.js, and the "lean core, powerful ecosystem" approach. The "all-in-one" model offers ease of use but can hide risks related to file size and security. The "lean core" approach, as seen in Hyperlane, prioritizes a small, stable framework core and relies on external libraries for specialized tasks. Hyperlane efficiently handles static file serving using asynchronous I/O to stream files without excessive memory usage. For file uploads, Hyperlane recommends utilizing robust ecosystem libraries, promoting practices like chunked uploads. The author emphasizes essential security measures: validating file type and size, sanitizing filenames, and using isolated storage. The article concludes by advocating for the "lean core" philosophy, which offers flexibility and access to advanced file handling solutions. This approach allows developers to leverage a professional ecosystem, leading to more secure and efficient applications. This model naturally encourages best practices instead of forcing them within the core architecture. Adopting this paradigm ultimately leads to building more robust systems.