How to Fix the Cannot Delete File Upload Issue in Node.js with MongoDB

Discover how to resolve the `Cannot delete file upload` issue in your Node.js application using MongoDB. Follow our step-by-step guide to implement file deletion successfully!
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This video is based on the question https://stackoverflow.com/q/75132579/ asked by the user 'Linserd Tofu' ( https://stackoverflow.com/u/21017530/ ) and on the answer https://stackoverflow.com/a/75133063/ provided by the user 'Johan' ( https://stackoverflow.com/u/17978333/ ) at 'Stack Overflow' website. Thanks to these great users and Stackexchange community for their contributions.

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How to Fix the Cannot Delete File Upload Issue in Node.js with MongoDB

As a beginner in developing applications with Node.js and MongoDB, encountering bugs can be a common challenge. One such issue that many face while building a file upload system is the inability to delete uploaded files. In this post, we will tackle the problem step-by-step and provide a comprehensive solution.

Understanding the Problem

When implementing a file upload feature, it’s essential not only to allow users to upload and download files but also to provide them with the option to delete files when they no longer need them.

In the given scenario, an attempt was made to add a delete function, but it didn't work as expected. Let’s dive into the code and figure out how to fix this issue.

The Current Code Structure

Here are the critical components in the app's current code structure:

File Upload: Uses multer for handling multipart data.

Database Connection: Utilizes mongoose to connect with MongoDB.

File Deletion Setup: An endpoint to delete a file based on its ID.

Existing Delete Endpoint

The current delete endpoint is structured as follows:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

The problem arises here primarily due to the GET method which is not typically used for deletion operations. Instead, HTTP convention suggests using the DELETE method for such actions.

Solution: Updating the Delete Functionality

To resolve the issue, you will need to make a few adjustments to the delete endpoint.

Step 1: Import File System Module

Make sure you have the fs module imported at the top of your app.js file:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Step 2: Change the Delete Endpoint

Modify the existing delete route from a GET request to a DELETE request. Here is the updated code:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Step 3: Update Your Frontend

Make sure your frontend calls the correct endpoint. In your home.ejs, update the form calling deletion as follows:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Important Notes

In the frontend, you might also need to ensure that your form specifies the method correctly to use POST for deletion since HTML forms can’t directly call DELETE.

Conclusion

With these adjustments, your file deletion functionality should operate as expected. Enabling users to manage their uploaded files is crucial in enhancing their experience, and fixing such issues will bolster your skills in using Node.js and MongoDB effectively.

By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure that your file upload and management application will function smoothly. Happy coding!

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