Nextcloud Hub 10 (v 31.0.0) "Allow download and sync" feature (Files) : bugs or features ?

[Jerome-Herbinet]

Concerning "allow download and sync" : I would like to be sure to understand how it works :

When unchecked, an internal share recipient (user), should not be able to download and sync from :

• smartphone app
• computer (from the file explorer via desktop sync)
• web UI

Is that right ?

I noticed that when option is unchecked :

• Mobile app (android) : I can't sync (but IMO the "sync" action button should not appear because it creates confusion), AND I can't export (but IMO the "export" action button should not appear because it creates confusion)
• Computer's file manager (desktop sync) : I can sync the shared folder anyway (not tested for a single shared file) ... IMO, shared folder should not appear in the settings window of the desktop sync app (or it should be greyed out)
• Web UI : I can't download from Files or "save as" from Collabora ... but I can "save as" PDF, etc... from "Files" (new Hub 10 feature)

What do you think ? Bug or feature ?

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[Jerome-Herbinet]

@jancborchardt

[susnux]

See also #46256

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In general it does forbid any API that offers download (including WebDAV) - so only in-browser viewing is possible with apps that support view without download (e.g. Collabora but not the files pdf viewer as it basically downloads the file and let the browser display it).

[Jerome-Herbinet]

See also #46256

In general it does forbid any API that offers download (including WebDAV) - so only in-browser viewing is possible with apps that support view without download (e.g. Collabora but not the files pdf viewer as it basically downloads the file and let the browser display it).

@susnux, OK, so, based on what you said :

• Computer (desktop client) : I should not be able to sync the folder, despite I didn't uncheck it in the desktop client settings. I conclude that this is a bug. Also, if by chance the sender of the share had forgotten to uncheck the box and it is necessary to do so a few moments later, and in the meantime the recipient has synchronised the shared folder (or file), unchecking the option will deactivate synchronisation of the items concerned and remove them from the recipient's computer the next time they are synchronised.
• Mobile app (at least the android version because I didn't test the iOS one) : It fits what you explained BUT the fact that the export / download / sync menu items still appear is a real problem. This will be considered as a bug (the recipient of the share is not supposed to know how the share was configured by the sender). This will generate support tickets, wasted time for both the sender and the recipient, and frustration. In my opinion, Nextcloud should remove those menu entries in the UI in order to make the UX "clean".
• Web UI : When the option is unchecked, I can't download from "Files" (meat balls) or "save as" from Collabora ... but I can "save as" PDF, etc... from "Files" (new Hub 10 feature). To be consistent, we should not be able to "Save as" when the option is unchecked.

[jancborchardt]

@sorbaugh @AndyScherzinger would indeed be good to bring this in line with expectations. Probably an item for next planning?

[susnux]

It fits what you explained BUT the fact that the export / download / sync menu items still appear is a real problem.

Yes should then be reported to the Android client issue tracker.

Computer's file manager (desktop sync) : I can sync the shared folder anyway (not tested for a single shared file) ... IMO, shared folder should not appear in the settings window of the desktop sync app (or it should be greyed out)

So it allows to select the folder for sync? Thats a bug and should be reported to the desktop client.
But it should not download the files as all APIs should be blocked. Are they?

Web UI : When the option is unchecked, I can't download from "Files" (meat balls) or "save as" from Collabora ... but I can "save as" PDF, etc... from "Files" (new Hub 10 feature). To be consistent, we should not be able to "Save as" when the option is unchecked.

Yes thats a bug in 31.

[susnux]

Probably an item for next planning?

I hope #46256 is also part of it as it basically decides how we can proceed here.

[Jerome-Herbinet]

I notice that the "Allow download and sync" option is also available in NC 30. I add the appropriate tag.

[susnux]

I notice that the "Allow download and sync" option is also available in NC 30. I add the appropriate tag.

It is also available in previous nextcloud versions, we just renamed it from "allow download" in 30: #47198