📌 Purpose & Quick Summary

Beyond basic file exploration, the BoostonCP User File Manager integrates professional developer tools: the Monaco Code Editor (the exact editor engine powering Microsoft Visual Studio Code), a visual Chmod Permissions Calculator, and a safe Recycle Bin Vault. These features empower you to edit code with full syntax highlighting, fix permission vulnerabilities, and safeguard against accidental file deletions.

🖥️ Interface Tour & Elements

  1. Monaco IDE Editor:
    • Syntax highlighting across 50+ languages (PHP, JavaScript, HTML, CSS, JSON, SQL, Python, Shell).
    • Code folding, line numbering, minimap sidebar, multi-cursor editing, and bracket matching.
    • Instant search and replace (Ctrl + F / Ctrl + H).
    • Save button with visual keyboard shortcut indicator (Ctrl + S).
  2. Chmod Permissions Modal:
    • Permission checkboxes categorized by User (Owner), Group, and World (Public).
    • Granular toggles for Read (r), Write (w), and Execute (x).
    • Dynamic 3-digit octal permission calculator (e.g. 0644, 0755, 0777).
    • Recursive application checkbox for folders and subdirectories.
  3. Recycle Bin (Trash Vault):
    • Safe staging area where deleted files and folders are moved instead of being immediately unlinked.
    • 1-Click Restore to return files to their exact original location.
    • Empty Recycle Bin to permanently purge deleted files and recover disk space.

🛠️ Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Editing Code with Monaco Editor

  1. In the File Manager, navigate to the file you wish to modify (e.g. public_html/wp-config.php or index.html).
  2. Right-click the file and select Edit, or double-click the file.
  3. The Monaco Code Studio modal opens with full syntax highlighting.
  4. Make your code adjustments.
  5. Press Ctrl + S on your keyboard, or click Save Changes in the upper-right corner of the editor.
  6. A green confirmation badge confirms the file has been successfully written to disk.

Step 2: Modifying File and Folder Permissions (Chmod)

  1. Select the file or folder whose permissions you need to adjust.
  2. In the toolbar, click the Permissions (Chmod) button (key icon).
  3. The permission calculator modal displays:
    • For standard files: Ensure permissions are set to 0644 (User: Read+Write; Group: Read; World: Read).
    • For directories: Ensure permissions are set to 0755 (User: Read+Write+Execute; Group: Read+Execute; World: Read+Execute).
  4. If modifying a directory, check Apply to all subdirectories and files if you wish to enforce standard permissions recursively.
  5. Click Apply Permissions.

Step 3: Restoring or Purging Deleted Files

  1. When you delete a file in the File Manager, it is moved to the Recycle Bin by default.
  2. Click the Recycle Bin button in the upper toolbar.
  3. To recover an accidentally deleted file, locate it in the list and click Restore.
  4. To permanently reclaim disk space, click Empty Trash and confirm the purge.

⚙️ Complete Field & Parameter Reference Table

Permission Octal User (Owner) Group World (Public) Recommended Use Case & Security Impact
0644 Read + Write Read Only Read Only Standard for all files (.php, .html, .css, images). Secure and functional.
0755 Read+Write+Exec Read+Exec Read+Exec Standard for all directories. Allows webserver to traverse folders properly.
0400 / 0600 Read / Read+Write None None Sensitive files (e.g. wp-config.php, .env, private keys). Highly secure.
0777 Read+Write+Exec Read+Write+Exec Read+Write+Exec ⚠️ DANGEROUS: World writable. Never use in production; creates severe security risks.

❓ Troubleshooting & Common Errors

1. Monaco Editor Displays "Cannot Save: Permission Denied"

  • Cause: The file is owned by root or another user UID, or the current user lacks write permissions.
  • Solution: Check file ownership in the file ledger. Use the Permissions tool to ensure the User (Owner) has Write permissions checked (0644).

2. Website Displays "500 Internal Server Error" After Changing Permissions

  • Cause: The web server security policy blocks execution of files or directories set to world-writable 0777.
  • Solution: Immediately change folder permissions back to 0755 and file permissions back to 0644.