Creating a ZIP file

[4everJang]

Has anyone created a ZIP file via scripting - or even via a batch file on Windows 10 ?

[Ian Proudfoot]

Yes Markus, this is the same as I explained above. However yours accepts parameters to the PowerShell script while I avoid that and just re-write both scripts.

In any case it's good to know that the ability to zip files and folders works without any third-party extras to install.

When you think about it, this method opens up a lot of the capabilities of PowerShell and has got me thinking about other possibilities...

Ian

[4everJang]

Hello Ian and Markus,

Thanks much for demystifying the PowerShell approach. Now that I create the batch files from ExtendScript there seem to be no more security issues.

I guess there is no way to make the command prompt invisible ?

4everJang

[Wiedenmaier]

Hi Jang,

PowerShell.exe -windowstyle hidden

should do the job.

Markus

[4everJang]

and what about the command prompt where the first batch file runs that calls the powershell script ?

[Wiedenmaier]

Hi Jang,

You Need to write a thrid file in VB Script, which calls the Batch file, which calls the PowerShell Script.

windows - Run a batch file in a completely hidden way - Super User

But I think it should also be possible, to call PowerShell from VBS directly.

If Adobe would provied "File.execute([list of parameters]" it would be possible to call PowerShell directly, but unfortunately this isn't support.

Markus

[4everJang]

I think I will stick with the ugly solution of having a large black command prompt window pop up for the time being. If the customer does not like it, they will have to raise the budget so that I can get the fancy stuff done as well...

I did find some vbs scripts that run the powershell, but I am deferring that to the final stage of the current project.

Thanks

[Ian Proudfoot]

Hi Jang,

There's no way to hide the initial command prompt console. However if you add a Start command before PowerShell, the console window will close immediately rather than waiting for the PowerShell script to finish.

START PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -File "C:\path_as_required\zipTest.ps1"  

Markus, I think that the PowerShell window will also flash on screen even when the WindowStyle parameter is added.

[Wiedenmaier]

Jang and Ian,

I think it wouldn't be possible to avoid the window. Any solution, even VBS, requires a call by Parameter, which is not supported bei ExtendScript.

You have to live with that or you have to write a Plugin or your own (DotNet) executable, which takes a parameter file and runs all stuff in hidden mode.

Markus

[Wiedenmaier]

Ian,

yes I saw your post after I posted mine.

PowerShell is very powerful. You can refer any DotNet-Library and integrate these in your script. Simply write your own DotNet.dll, if functionality is missing, refer it, and do what ever you want.

Looking Forward to the time these ugly, not type-safe, DOS Batch Scripts are not used and supported anymore.

Have a great day

Markus

[bretyboy]

For anyone on Mac, here are the solutions that I've found:

var locationOfNewZip = "/Users/YourUserName/Desktop"; //path to the folder where you want your .zip file to appear
var nameOfFolderToBeZipped = "myFakeFolder";  // this is the name of the folder that get's zipped up
var nameOfNewZippedFolder = nameOfFolderToBeZipped + ".zip"; //Just the name of your new zip, not a path
var terminalCommand = 'cd "' + locationOfNewZip + '" && zip -r -X "' + nameOfNewZippedFolder + '" "' + nameOfFolderToBeZipped + '"';


//for After Effects. Returns terminal result
var test = app.system(terminalCommand)


//photoshop
//app.system(terminalCommand)

Another solution in the form of a function:

//This is a more complex version that takes in a path string and pushes out a zip for you:

var myNewZip = zipFolder("~/Desktop/MyFolderName");
//places zip file right near the folder being zipped. Just pass in path to folder to be zipped
function zipFolder(locationOfFolderToZip){
varnameOfFolderToBeZipped=Folder(locationOfFolderToZip).name
varcleanLocationOfFolderToZip=Folder(locationOfFolderToZip).fsName;//sometimes we get '~/Desktop/Folder/NextFolder'. The '~' path won't work for terminal. This changes it back to "Users/userName/Desktop" format
varlocationOfNewZip=returnPathWithoutLastItem(cleanLocationOfFolderToZip)//remove last item from path. So that the zip will be placed next to the folder we're zipping.
varnameOfNewZippedFolder=nameOfFolderToBeZipped+".zip"; //Just the name of your new zip, not a path
varterminalCommand='cd "'+locationOfNewZip+'" && zip -r -X "'+nameOfNewZippedFolder+'" "'+nameOfFolderToBeZipped+'"';
app.system(terminalCommand)
returncleanLocationOfFolderToZip+nameOfNewZippedFolder;
}//
//end function
//We use this in the zipping script to get a path to where the zip should go. (right near the folder it's zipping)
function returnPathWithoutLastItem(myPath){

myPath=decodeURI(myPath.toString())
if(myPath!==false&&myPath.toString().length>1&&myPath.toString().split("/").length>1){
varpathItems=myPath.split("/")
varlastPathItem=pathItems[pathItems.length-1];
varnewPath= [];
//loop through path items to add them to new string. This gets our array without the last item.
for(vari=1; i<pathItems.length-1; i++){//we use -1 so that this doesn't add the last item.
varcurrentItem=pathItems[i];
newPath.push(currentItem)
}//end for loop
varpathWithoutLastItem=newPath.join("/");
}//end if
returnpathWithoutLastItem
}//
//end function