Integrating Google Drive into Forum User-Friendly File Management

thenidarshan

I am seeking advice on integrating Google Drive seamlessly, allowing users to upload and download files, and create folders right from the forum interface. We aim to set user permissions that prevent file deletion, restricting this action to select moderators. Share your insights and expertise on how to achieve this goal, including any recommended extensions or custom development solutions. We're eager to make file management a breeze for our forum community!

thenidarshan

Our college forum is looking to limit file uploads to specific formats like PDF, JPG, and Docs. Seeking guidance on how to implement this restriction for academic purposes. Any tips or extensions to achieve this are greatly appreciated!

GreXXL

thenidarshan you should take a look at FoF upload. Google Drive could possibly be implemented as an additional driver.

luceos

I think for Google Drive an implementation might be slightly more difficult. But it should be possible with the necessary APIs. Custom development will, however, be needed, you can ask for these underServices

thenidarshan

@luceos @GreXXL
I'm a student working on this project voluntarily, and unfortunately, I can't afford to pay for services at the moment. I'm really interested in integrating Google Drive into our forum, and your suggestion about using FoF Upload got me thinking.

Could you guide me on how to combine FoF Upload with Google Drive, similar to an extension like "FoF Upload QCloud"? I'd appreciate any insights or advice you can provide on this, as it would greatly assist me in achieving our file management goals.

Your expertise and guidance would be invaluable to this project. Thank you in advance!

thenidarshan

@luceos @GreXXL I noticed that Google Apps Script (https://script.google.com/) is a powerful tool for automating tasks and integrating Google services. I'm wondering if it could be used to assist in Google Drive integration project for the forum.

thenidarshan

chatgpt gave me this

Step 1: Setup Google Drive API

1.1. Go to the Google Developer Console.

1.2. Create a new project and name it appropriately.

1.3. In your project, navigate to the "APIs & Services" > "Dashboard."

1.4. Click on "+ ENABLE APIS AND SERVICES," and search for "Google Drive API." Enable it for your project.

1.5. Go to "OAuth consent screen" and set up your OAuth consent screen with necessary details.

1.6. Create OAuth 2.0 credentials under "Credentials" to obtain a client ID and client secret.

Step 2: Frontend Setup for File Upload

2.1. In your Flarum forum, create an interface for users to upload files.

2.2. Use HTML and JavaScript to allow users to drag and drop files or use the upload from device option.

Step 3: Backend for File Upload

3.1. Develop a server-side script, possibly in PHP, to handle the file uploads.

3.2. Implement validation for supported file formats (PDF, JPG, Docs) and server-side security.

Step 4: Multi-File Upload

4.1. Allow users to select and upload multiple files simultaneously.

Step 5: Google Apps Script for Google Drive Interaction

5.1. Use Google Apps Script (GAS) to bridge the gap between your forum and Google Drive.

5.2. Create a Google Apps Script project from script.google.com.

5.3. Develop GAS functions to interact with the Google Drive API. These functions should include listing files, searching for files, and returning file metadata.

Step 6: Flarum Forum Integration with Google Apps Script

6.1. In your Flarum forum, create a search interface to allow users to search for files in Google Drive based on specific criteria like user, file type, etc.

6.2. When users initiate a search, call the relevant Google Apps Script function, passing the search criteria.

6.3. Display the results in your forum interface.

Step 7: Downloading Files

7.1. Provide download links for files listed in your forum interface.

7.2. When a user clicks to download a file, trigger a call to a Google Apps Script function for downloading the file.

Step 8: Security and Error Handling

8.1. Ensure robust security practices in your server-side script, Google Apps Script, and forum interface to protect user data and API keys.

8.2. Implement thorough error handling to provide clear error messages when needed.

Step 9: User Testing

9.1. Test your integration thoroughly in a controlled environment. Involve users to gather feedback and address usability issues.

Step 10: Documentation and Support

10.1. Create comprehensive documentation for your college students on how to use the Google Drive integration in the forum.

10.2. Offer support and assistance to users as they start using the new feature.

Any one guide me on these steps. please!

GreXXL

thenidarshan you will need to create a proper extension - this is not something you can currently configure within the scope of this extension. You can find documentation on this here: https://docs.flarum.org/extend

luceos

There are a lot of steps involved to integrate with google drive "seamlessly", a first start would be to create an extension that has the settings page for the input of your credentials (if they support that) or to connect using oauth. If you want to build this yourself you can take a look at the documentation GreXXL mentioned.