res.sendFile()

res.sendFile(path [, options] [, fn])

Transfers the file at the given path. Sets the Content-Type response HTTP header field based on the filename’s extension. Unless the root option is set in the options object, path must be an absolute path to the file.

The following table provides details on the options parameter.

The method invokes the callback function fn(err) when the transfer is complete or when an error occurs. If the callback function is specified and an error occurs, the callback function must explicitly handle the response process either by ending the request-response cycle, or by passing control to the next route.

Here is an example of using res.sendFile with all its arguments.

app.get('/file/:name', function (req, res, next) {

  var options = {
    root: __dirname + '/public/',
    dotfiles: 'deny',
    headers: {
        'x-timestamp': Date.now(),
        'x-sent': true
    }
  };

  var fileName = req.params.name;
  res.sendFile(fileName, options, function (err) {
    if (err) {
      console.log(err);
      res.status(err.status).end();
    }
    else {
      console.log('Sent:', fileName);
    }
  });

});

The following example illustrates using res.sendFile to provide fine-grained support for serving files:

app.get('/user/:uid/photos/:file', function(req, res){
  var uid = req.params.uid
    , file = req.params.file;

  req.user.mayViewFilesFrom(uid, function(yes){
    if (yes) {
      res.sendFile('/uploads/' + uid + '/' + file);
    } else {
      res.status(403).send('Sorry! you cant see that.');
    }
  });
});

For more information, or if you have issues or concerns, see send.