What is the correct way to use JavaScript to read a local text file in the browser?

General Discussions
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4

Use fetch() as a modern alternative (on a server, not directly from file://) If you’re working in a hosted or local dev environment, fetch() is a modern, promise-based alternative to XMLHttpRequest. It simplifies your javascript read file workflow.


etch("testing.txt")
  .then(response => response.text())
  .then(data => {
    document.getElementById("textSection").textContent = data;
  })
  .catch(error => console.error("Error reading file:", error));

Just remember: this only works when served over HTTP/HTTPS, not directly from a file path like file://.