A new feature in 4D Server 2004.1 is the ability to easily share external files with 4D Clients through a folder named 'Extras'.

To do this, simply put all files (text documents, XML files, etc.) in a folder named Extras which must be placed next to the Structure file on 4D Server.

When 4D Client machines connect, all files contained within this folder will be downloaded.

You can then retrieve the path to that folder from the client machine (or standalone) using code like the following:

C_TEXT($path)
$path:=Get 4D folder(Extras Folder )

The Extras folder is just a nice feature to store external files without having to handle their management yourself.

Note: although the use of a dedicated folder is new with version 2004, you could achieve similar results using the Win4dx or Mac4dx folders with earlier versions.