How to Return Files from an ASP.NET Core Web API Controller?

Dealing with File Downloads in ASP.NET Core Web API

When attempting to return a file from an ASP.NET Web API Controller, you may encounter issues with the response being treated as JSON. To resolve this, it's crucial to understand the correct approach to file download in ASP.NET Core.

To return a file in ASP.NET Core Web API, you need to return a derived IActionResult instead of HttpResponseMessage. The framework will interpret HttpResponseMessage as a model, leading to the JSON response issue.

Below is an updated code example that demonstrates how to return a file using IActionResult:

<code class="csharp">[Route("api/[controller]")]
public class DownloadController : Controller
{
    // GET api/download/12345abc
    [HttpGet("{id}")]
    public async Task<IActionResult> Download(string id)
    {
        Stream stream = await GetStreamBasedOnIdAsync(id);

        if (stream == null)
            return NotFound(); // Returns a NotFoundResult with Status404NotFound response

        return File(stream, "application/octet-stream", $"{FileName}.{FileExtension}"); // Returns a FileStreamResult
    }
}</code>

Note: Do not use a using statement for the stream; otherwise, it will be disposed of before the response has been sent, resulting in an exception or corrupt response. The framework will handle stream disposal automatically when the response is completed.

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