Hey everyone! I’m building an Android app that lets users share files through Google Drive. I’ve run into a bit of a snag and could use some help.
Here’s what’s going on:
- Alice shares a file with Bob and gives him ‘writer’ access.
- Later, Alice forgets she already shared it and shares the same file again, but this time with ‘reader’ access.
I’m not sure how Google Drive handles this. Does the new ‘reader’ permission replace the old ‘writer’ permission? Or does Bob keep his ‘writer’ access?
Also, should my app be checking for existing permissions before adding new ones? I’d love to hear from anyone who’s dealt with this before. Thanks!
I’ve actually encountered this exact scenario while developing a file-sharing feature for a project management tool. From my experience, Google Drive doesn’t automatically downgrade permissions. When you share a file multiple times with the same user, it retains the highest level of access granted.
In your example, Bob would keep his ‘writer’ access even after Alice shares it again with ‘reader’ permissions. This behavior is designed to prevent accidental downgrades of access rights.
As for your app, it’s definitely a good practice to check existing permissions before adding new ones. This can help prevent confusion and maintain a clear access control structure. You might want to implement a system that notifies the file owner of existing permissions when they attempt to share again, giving them the option to modify if needed.
Remember to thoroughly test these scenarios in your app to ensure it aligns with Google Drive’s behavior and provides a smooth user experience.
hey there creativePainter33! from my xperience, google drive keeps the highest permission. so bob would still have writer access.
it’s a good idea to check xisting permissions in ur app before adding new ones. that way u can show users what access people already have and avoid confusion.
hope that helps!
I’ve dealt with similar issues in my work on collaborative document management systems. In Google Drive’s case, the highest level of permission always takes precedence. So in your scenario, Bob would retain his ‘writer’ access despite Alice’s subsequent ‘reader’ share.
Regarding your app, I’d strongly recommend implementing a permission check before new shares. This not only prevents confusion but also enhances user control. You could display existing permissions and prompt users if they want to modify them.
One additional consideration: think about how your app will handle permission conflicts across different sharing methods (e.g., direct share vs. folder permissions). This can get tricky, so thorough testing is crucial.
Lastly, ensure your app clearly communicates the final permission status to both the sharer and recipient. This transparency can significantly improve user experience and reduce support inquiries.