File Upload Notification

Introduction

When sending files relevant to a current discussion, it sometimes happens that the conversation moves on while waiting for the file to be uploaded, for example by using HTTP-Upload. This causes the file to be sent at a later date.

File Upload Notifications are a way to allow supporting clients to place a pseudo-message that will be replaced once the file has been uploaded.

Pre-Upload

<message from="some.user@some.server/abc123" to="someone.else@other.server" id="aaaaa">
  <file-upload xmlns="proto:urn:xmpp:fun:0">
    <file xmlns="urn:xmpp:file:metadata:0">
	  <name>vacation.jpg</name>	
	  <media-type>image/jpeg</media-type>
	</file>
	<thumbnail type="proto:urn:xmpp:file-thumbnails:0:blurhash" xmlns="proto:urn:xmpp:file-thumbnails:0">
	  <blurhash>LEHV6nWB2yk8pyoJadR*.7kCMdnj</blurhash>
	</thumbnail>
  </file-upload>
  <origin-id xmlns="urn:xmpp:sid:0" id="ccccc" />
  <no-permanent-store xmlns="urn:xmpp:hints" />
</message>

The <file-upload> element indicates that a message should be replaced with the actual file embed once the upload is done. Metadata about the file should be included as specified by File metadata element. The metadata should include only the bare minimum, i.e. the mime type and filename. Additionally, a thumbnail can be sent with the notification in order to allow clients to already show a preview. The <file-thumbnail /> element is specified by File Thumbnails.

Note that Unique and Stable Origin IDs must be used when the message is sent to a groupchat.

Since this message carries no meaning to anyone retrieving it after the file upload has been completed, a <no-permanent-store /> element should be added (See Message Processing Hints).

Post-Upload

After the file upload has been completed, the sending client includes a <replaces /> element in the message to inform clients which messages should be replaced.

<message from="some.user@some.server/abc123" to="someone.else@other.server" id="bbbbb">
  <body>...</body>
  <x xmlns="jabber:x:oob">
	<url>...</url>
  </x>
  <replaces xmlns="proto:urn:xmpp:fun:0" id="ccccc" />
  <origin-id xmlns="urn:xmpp:sid:0" id="ddddd" />
</message>

The id attribute of the <replaces /> element refers to either the stanza ID or the origin ID of the message that contained the original <file-upload />.

If sent to a groupchat, the origin ID must be used.

Note the the actual method of communicating a file is of no relevance here, as long as the method allows a client to show it inline. Examples for such methods are Out of Band Data and Stateless Inline Media Sharing.

In case the sender uses methods like Stateless Inline Media Sharing or Stateless File Sharing which allow specifying a thumbnail, then the client should do here as well to allow clients catching up using Message Archive Management to also provide a thumbnail to their users.

Security Considerations

A client receiveing a message with an <replaces /> element must verify if the message it is supposed to replace was actually sent by the sender of the <replaces /> element to prevent arbitrary messages to be replaced.

Info

Key	Value
Author	PapaTutuWawa
Version	0.0.2
Short name	fun

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