Beta SDKs add server-side file copies and refresh /delta

A new set of beta SDKs is out with two changes: a /copy_ref feature for copying files between accounts, and a second beta of the /delta endpoint. The old /delta endpoint will be retired on March 1.

Copy files without touching the bytes

The new /copy_ref call returns a unique reference to a file in one user's Dropbox. That reference can then be used to copy the file directly into any other user's Dropbox, eliminating the need to download and re-upload the file through your app. Note that copying folders isn't supported yet.

To perform the actual copy, /fileops/copy has been extended to accept a from_copy_ref parameter. Pass the copy reference along with the destination path, and Dropbox handles the transfer server-side.

This feature is in beta, so production apps can't use it until it ships as stable. Feedback can go to the Dropbox developer forums.

Second beta of /delta

The /delta call now has a new HTTP endpoint, /delta_beta2. The biggest change in this beta is that apps with full Dropbox access can use it; the previous beta was limited to App Folder permission apps.

The response format has also been adjusted:

  • Delta entries now live in an entries field rather than delta.
  • The reset entry has moved out of the list and is now a top-level Boolean field named reset.
  • Add and delete entries have a slightly different format.
  • Every delta entry includes a lowercased version of its path, so apps can preserve case while comparing paths in a case-insensitive way, matching Dropbox's own path handling.

The original endpoint remains available until March 1. Any issues with the new beta can be reported on the developer forums.

SDK downloads