How Can I Trigger a File Download Using AJAX or HTML5?

Download a File Using an AJAX Request

When attempting to trigger a file download via AJAX, you may encounter difficulties. The traditional method of utilizing XMLHttpRequest to initiate the download often proves unsuccessful.

To resolve this issue, consider employing the window.location method. By setting the window.location to point to the download URL, you can trigger the native download functionality of the browser. This approach is more straightforward and effective than relying on AJAX.

window.location = 'download.php';

Alternative Approach Using the download Attribute (HTML5)

In modern browsers, such as Firefox and Chrome, the download attribute offers a more sophisticated option for initiating file downloads. This attribute allows you to initiate a download without modifying the current page.

<a href="download.php" download>Download File</a>

Additional Considerations

It is essential to ensure that the download URL points to a file located on the same origin as your website. Cross-origin file downloads are subject to browser security restrictions.

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