Chapter 9. Uploading and downloading BLOBs

In the previous chapter, we showed you how to get started with BLOB storage development using the StorageClient library, with a focus on managing accounts and containers. In this chapter, we’re going to look at the underlying REST API for the BLOB service and how to manage BLOBs using the StorageClient library.

9.1. Using the REST API

So far we’ve only used the StorageClient sample library in the SDK and have ignored the REST API. The reason for this is that, as a developer, you’re unlikely to be writing code directly against the REST API. In general, you’ll prefer to use a more object-oriented structure that uses familiar-looking .NET classes.

The StorageClient library is useful but it’s only a wrapper implementation of the REST API (which is the only official API). So although you’ll mainly be working against the StorageClient library, there are some instances when you might need to use the REST API directly.

Windows Azure is an evolving platform and the Windows Azure team typically releases new features exposed via the REST API first. At a later date, they might provide an update to the SDK. If there’s a new feature that you badly need to use, you might not have the luxury of waiting for the SDK update.

9.2. Managing BLOBs using the StorageClient library

9.3. Downloading BLOBs

9.4. Integrating BLOBs with your ASP.NET websites

9.5. Using local storage with BLOB storage

9.6. Copying BLOBs

9.7. Setting shared access permissions

9.8. Summary