Understanding URL Strings Versus URL Objects

The URL parameter of the invoked file attachment function includes both the protocol to be used and the address for a storage location. These URLs can be specified as ad hoc strings at run time in certain limited cases. Alternatively, they can be defined and maintained as URL objects, which include an identifier, the URL itself, and additional URL properties. Oracle recommends that you always use URL objects since that approach gives you the flexibility of later changing the storage location of your files without having to modify your PeopleCode or the contents of any file reference tables used. Moreover, the FILE_EXT_LIST property of a URL object allows you to specify a file extension list, which is the most straightforward way to restrict the file types that can be uploaded to or downloaded from your PeopleSoft system. File extension lists cannot be applied to ad hoc URL strings.

See Restricting the File Types That Can Be Uploaded or Downloaded.

URL objects are created and maintained using the URL Maintenance page (PeopleTools, Administration, Utilities, Maintain URLs). The length of the full URL is limited to 254 characters. Certain protocols—specifically, FTPS, SFTP, HTTP, and HTTPS—require the use of URL objects because other information in addition to the URL itself are required. This additional information is defined as URL properties on the associated URL Properties page.

Note:

For database tables and the FTP protocol only, the storage location can be specified as an ad hoc string at run time because these file transfer methods do not require additional URL properties.

PeopleTools: System and Server Administration contains detailed information on creating and maintaining URL objects.

See System and Server Administration: URL Maintenance

The following are examples of some valid storage location URLs:

record://MYAPP_ATT_CNTNT
ftp://user01:password@ftpserver.example.com/myfiles
ftps://ftp_user:usr_pwd@ftps.example.com:6000/images
sftp://usr10:pwd@ftp.example.com/attachments
http://www.example.com:8080/psfiletransfer/ps/docs
https://www.example.com:8090/psfiletransfer/empl/docs