addfile

AddFile is a function or method used in software libraries to insert a file into a container that manages files, such as an archive, a virtual file system, a packaging pipeline, or a content management system. Its primary purpose is to record the presence of a file with a specified path and content within the target container.

In archives and packaging tools, addFile adds a new file entry to the archive, often creating any necessary directory structure. In a virtual file system it creates a new node that represents the file; in build pipelines it stages source or resource files for bundling. The exact behavior and available options can vary between implementations, but the general intent is to lay out a file within the managed collection.

The typical signature is addFile(path, content, options). Path is the file path inside the container; content can be a string, bytes, or a stream. Options may include permissions (mode), modification time (mtime), encoding, and overwrite behavior. Some implementations allow streaming input; others require all content upfront. If a file already exists, the function may overwrite it when overwrite is true, skip when false, or raise an error depending on the API. Many implementations automatically ensure parent directories exist if configured.

Return values vary: some return a reference to the created file entry, metadata, or a boolean success indicator. Error conditions include invalid paths, unsupported content types, or insufficient permissions. Example usage: archive.addFile('docs/intro.txt', 'Welcome', {encoding: 'utf-8', overwrite: true});