Proper place for saving file in User's PC or Server

Question

In my Java app, I generate pdf and save it to a location on user's PC e.g. C:\\Download. However, as various users have different operating systems e.g. Windows or Linux, I think it is good idea to save the generated pdf file to a generic place for all of the operating system. For this situation, should I save it:

1. A generic user directory in the operating system?

2. A fix place e.g. C:\\Download. But in this scene, user may not have write permission in a Company domain.

Or any proper place that is suitable for Linux and Windows?

https://stackoverflow.com/questions/14552217/how-can-i-save-a-file-with-a-generic-file-path-for-windows-mac-and-linux have you checked this? — kameshsr, Jun 23 '21 at 06:12
In general, you should _let the user select_, usually by using a command-line parameter. — chrylis -cautiouslyoptimistic-, Jun 23 '21 at 06:55
@chrylis-cautiouslyoptimistic- Thanks a lot, but sometimes user does not have enough knowledge and it is good idea to set it. — Jack, Jun 23 '21 at 07:02

score 1 · Accepted Answer · answered Jun 23 '21 at 06:13

To avoid any operating system dependencies use the "user.home" property in java :

pdfDirectory = new File (System.getProperty("user.home"),"pdfDir");

Generic user directory for all operating systems ✅
Current user has access to his home directory ✅

Proper place for saving file in User's PC or Server

1 Answers1