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The Chrome Apps API has the very useful FileSystem API which allows a user to select a file for an app to edit (read and write changes to). However, with the entire Apps API soon to be removed, what other ways exists to edit a file on the local file system?

This is not an opinion-based question, I am asking for all conceivable alternatives.

Arlen Beiler
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  • Possible duplicate of http://stackoverflow.com/questions/21912056/access-local-files-using-a-google-chrome-extension – ceejayoz May 11 '17 at 20:34
  • Are you certain this API is being removed? 40 minutes ago it was "a rumor" in your other question. http://stackoverflow.com/questions/43924438/is-the-chrome-filesystem-app-api-deprecated – ceejayoz May 11 '17 at 20:36
  • Is it not? That was until I realized that the apps were what was being deprecated, not the fileSystem api. – Arlen Beiler May 11 '17 at 20:37
  • You should answer your other question with that information, then, with the reputable source you found to back it up. – ceejayoz May 11 '17 at 20:38
  • Done! I would dearly love for that question to not distract from this question, since this question stands on its own two feet. – Arlen Beiler May 11 '17 at 20:42
  • The answer to that question leads you to the answer to this question, via the [migration guide](https://developers.chrome.com/apps/migration). "Q: My app uses the chrome.fileSystem API to read and write user-specified files and / or directories. Can this be done on the open web?" – ceejayoz May 11 '17 at 20:57

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Per https://developers.chrome.com/apps/migration:

Q: My app uses the chrome.fileSystem API to read and write user-specified files and / or directories. Can this be done on the open web?

A: In general, no. The open web can read single files that the user opens, but cannot retain access to those files, write to those files, or have any access to directories.

If it is critical for your app to read and write directories (e.g. it is a text editor with a folder view), you will need to either have a native helper app and extension combo, or create a native app.

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ceejayoz
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