Getting PDF from MariaDB with Flutter

So, I totally get where you’re coming from! Dealing with PDFs and databases can be tricky.

First, it’s great that you’re already testing your PHP endpoint with Postman. Since that’s working, let’s focus on what might be going wrong in Flutter.

Check Your PHP Code

Your PHP script should look something like this:

        
        <?php
        header('Content-Type: application/pdf');
        header('Content-Disposition: attachment; filename="yourfile.pdf"');
        
        $id = $_GET['id']; // Assuming you're using an ID to fetch the file
        $stmt = $pdo->prepare("SELECT pdf_blob FROM your_table WHERE id = ?");
        $stmt->execute([$id]);
        $pdf = $stmt->fetchColumn();
        
        if ($pdf) {
            echo $pdf; // Output the binary data (the PDF file)
        } else {
            echo 'No file found.';
        }
        ?>
        
    

Flutter HTTP Request

Now, in your Flutter app, make sure you’re properly handling the HTTP request:

        
        import 'package:http/http.dart' as http;
        import 'dart:io';
        import 'path_provider/path_provider.dart';

        Future downloadPDF() async {
            final response = await http.get(Uri.parse('http://yourserver.com/yourendpoint?id=1'));

            if (response.statusCode == 200) {
                final bytes = response.bodyBytes; // This is important!

                final directory = await getApplicationDocumentsDirectory();
                final path = '${directory.path}/yourfile.pdf';
                final file = File(path);
                await file.writeAsBytes(bytes);
                print('File saved to $path');
            } else {
                print('Failed to download file: ${response.statusCode}');
            }
        }
        
    

Check Headers

You might wanna make sure your PHP script sets the right headers. For Flutter, you don’t specifically need extra headers unless you’re doing something funky with auth.

Debugging Tips

If it’s still not working, try:

• Printing out response.body and checking if it’s returning the PDF data or an error message.
• Using a filename with an actual PDF file extension when saving.
• Ensuring that your PDF blob is not corrupted in the database.

Honestly, it might just be a small issue in how you’re handling the response or saving the file. Keep experimenting, and you’ll get it! Good luck!