IOS Upload App: Share Sheet & Shortcuts Integration

Hey everyone! I'm super stoked to kick off development on a native iOS app focused on streamlined uploading, and I wanted to get you all in on the discussion early. My aim is to leverage the share sheet functionality and create a more intuitive way to handle shortcuts input. I'm dropping this post to keep you guys in the loop and, more importantly, to gather your valuable input and ideas. I'm planning to dive into the coding trenches in a few days, just as soon as I get my MacBook's speakers sorted out. Can't code in silence, you know?

Core Features in the Pipeline

So, what's on the roadmap for this iOS upload app? Let's break it down:

• Shortcuts Action: This is a big one. I want to seamlessly integrate the app with iOS Shortcuts. Imagine being able to create custom workflows that automatically upload files with just a tap. This feature will allow users to automate their uploading tasks, making the process faster and more efficient. Think of it as creating your own personal upload assistant right within your iPhone or iPad.

  To make this feature truly shine, I'm envisioning a wide range of customization options within the Shortcuts action. Users will be able to specify the destination server, the upload path, any necessary authentication credentials, and even custom file naming conventions. This level of control will empower users to tailor the upload process to their specific needs and workflows. The Shortcuts integration will also support background uploads, meaning users can initiate an upload and then continue using their device without interruption. Notifications will keep them informed of the upload progress, ensuring a seamless and user-friendly experience. Furthermore, I plan to explore integrating with other Shortcuts actions, such as image resizing or file compression, to further enhance the app's capabilities and provide a truly comprehensive upload solution. This will open up possibilities for automating complex tasks, such as automatically backing up photos to a specific cloud service or sharing documents with colleagues with minimal effort. The key here is flexibility and power, giving users the tools they need to handle their uploads efficiently and effectively.

• Share Sheet Integration: The share sheet is an iOS staple, and I'm committed to making uploading through it a breeze. The goal is to make sharing files from other apps directly to our upload app super intuitive and quick. This feature is all about convenience – select your file, tap the share sheet, choose our app, and boom, it's uploading. No more clunky workarounds or copying and pasting!

  To really nail the share sheet integration, I'm focusing on a few key aspects. First and foremost, the app needs to appear prominently in the share sheet, making it easy for users to find and select. This involves optimizing the app's share sheet extension to ensure it's displayed in a logical and intuitive order. Secondly, the upload process needs to be seamless and transparent. Users should be able to see the progress of their uploads directly within the share sheet, with clear indicators of success or failure. Error handling is also crucial – the app needs to gracefully handle situations like network connectivity issues or incorrect server credentials, providing informative messages to the user. Beyond the basics, I'm also exploring advanced features such as the ability to select multiple files for upload directly from the share sheet. This would be a huge time-saver for users who frequently need to upload batches of files. Furthermore, I'm considering adding options for customizing the upload settings directly from the share sheet, such as choosing the destination folder or specifying file naming conventions. The aim is to make the share sheet integration as powerful and versatile as possible, while still maintaining a clean and user-friendly experience. Ultimately, the goal is to make uploading files from any app on iOS as simple and intuitive as possible.

• Filekeys: This is where things get interesting. I'm planning to implement a system for handling file keys, which will add an extra layer of security and control to your uploads. Filekeys, in essence, act as unique identifiers or access tokens for your uploaded files. They can be used to manage access permissions, track downloads, and even implement features like expiring links. This feature is a game-changer for anyone who needs to share files securely and maintain control over who can access them.

  The filekey system I envision will be highly customizable, allowing users to tailor it to their specific needs. For example, users will be able to generate filekeys with different levels of access – some might grant full access to the file, while others might only allow viewing or downloading. Expiration dates can be set on filekeys, ensuring that access is automatically revoked after a certain period. This is particularly useful for sharing sensitive documents or time-sensitive information. Furthermore, the system will track the usage of filekeys, providing users with detailed information about who has accessed their files and when. This level of auditing can be invaluable for security and compliance purposes. The integration of filekeys will also extend to the app's other features, such as the Shortcuts action and share sheet integration. Users will be able to generate and manage filekeys directly from these interfaces, making the entire process seamless and intuitive. For example, a Shortcut could be created to automatically generate a filekey with a specific expiration date and then share the link via email or messaging app. The possibilities are endless. My goal is to create a filekey system that is not only secure and powerful but also easy to use and integrate into existing workflows. This will give users peace of mind knowing that their files are protected and that they have complete control over who can access them.

Open Source and Distribution

I'm a big believer in the open-source philosophy, so the app will be source-available. This means you can peek under the hood, learn from the code, and even adapt it for your own projects. But here's the catch: to keep things fair and avoid potential conflicts, I'll be including a clause that prevents distribution on the Apple App Store.

Think of it this way: this project is about fostering collaboration and innovation within the community, not competing in the crowded App Store. However, if you're keen on getting the app into the hands of users in the EU through a third-party app store, you're more than welcome to do so. The aim here is to encourage experimentation and alternative distribution methods while ensuring the project's core mission remains intact.

Your Input Matters!

This is where you guys come in! I'm eager to hear your thoughts, suggestions, and any brilliant ideas you might have. What features would you love to see in an iOS upload app? What workflows would you like to streamline? Are there any specific services or platforms you'd like the app to integrate with?

No idea is too big or too small – I'm open to all suggestions. Let's collaborate and build something awesome together! Drop your comments below, and let's get the conversation rolling. I'll be sure to keep you updated on the development progress and share any exciting milestones along the way. Let's make this iOS upload app a tool that we can all be proud of!