SWFUpload allows users to select one or more files for upload and then, rather than submitting a form, the files are sent asynchronously (in the background) while SWFUpload continuously sends events that allows the page to be updated dynamically with upload progress and status. There is no more waiting while pages hang and the browser spins its little activity icon.

SWFUpload’s powerful API gives you the ability to keep your users informed while their files are uploaded. This design also gives the developer the ability to integrate the upload experience with the design of the website rather than force you to some pre-built upload UI.

SWFUpload will feel very familiar to those that have experience with AJAX development.

SWFUpload also provides the ability to check a files type and size prior to uploading the file. Saving users the time and frustration of having files rejected after long uploads.

The SWFUpload workflow

1) SWFUpload is initialized on the page and dynamically loads the hidden Flash Upload Component.

2) The swfUploadLoaded event fires to notify your page that SWFUpload is ready to accept uploads.

3) The user clicks a button or link tied to the SWFUpload selectFile method opening the File Selection Dialog.

4) SWFUpload fires events for each file selected. Your page is able to display the upload information you need, the way you want it displayed.

5) The upload can be started automatically or triggered by a button or link tied to SWFUpload's startUpload method.

6) SWFUpload begins uploading each file, one at a time and in the background, while firing upload progress, error, or complete events. The page keeps the user informed about the status of her uploads.

7) The server receives each upload one at a time. From the server's point of view each upload appear to have come from a standard upload page. There is nothing extra to install or configure on the server in order to use SWFUpload.

8) The uploads are complete. The page has not reloaded. The user knows exactly what has happened with her uploads and your boss gives you a raise.